Breaking Benjamin has announced that longtime drummer Shaun Foist will not be joining the band on their current tour with Three Days Grace due to health complications related to Hashimoto’s disease, a condition he has been battling privately since 2017.
In a heartfelt statement shared with fans on Thursday (Aug. 28), Foist opened up about the challenges he’s faced in recent months, revealing that his ongoing battle with Hashimoto’s disease has led to complications while playing drums. He also shared that his symptoms worsened during Breaking Benjamin’s Awaken The Fallen Tour this summer.
“Friends, family, and most importantly, the fans, I’ve battled Hashimoto’s disease since 2017, facing fatigue, leg weakness, stiffness, weight changes, and overall drum playing control issues,” the 42-year-old Ohio native explained. “During the Awaken The Fallen Tour, I was experiencing extreme leg fatigue and complications, making drumming nearly impossible.”
According to Mayo Clinic, Hashimoto’s Disease “is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, often resulting in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).” Symptoms of the disease can vary but may include fatigue, weight fluctuations, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to cold. In some cases, it can swing into hyperthyroidism, leading to increased metabolism and muscle breakdown.
He went on to explain that he went to the doctors to seek additional testing, which ruled out spinal issues, but confirmed a flare-up of the disease.
“We ran tests on my back that came out fine thankfully, but tests confirmed Hashimoto’s had flared, pushing my thyroid into ‘hyper’ mode, causing weakness and weight loss,” Foist continued. “After speaking with my family and doctors, I’ve decided to step away from the road at this time to focus on healing, please continue supporting the band and enjoying the shows.”
While Foist has temporarily stepped away from touring, he promises fans that he will be back after he heals and that he remains committed to Breaking Benjamin’s future. “I care deeply about our legacy, and I don’t want my health to affect performances. Thank you for the years of love and support. I will play drums again,” he concluded.
Dozens of musicians and friends flooded the comments of Foist’s statement on Instagram, wishing him well, including Zach Myers of Shinedown, Ray Luzier of Korn, Tyler Smyth, Doc Coyle, Jasen Rauch, Mat Madiro of From Ashes To New and more.
As Shaun Foist takes time to focus on his health, Breaking Benjamin revealed that James Cassells, drummer of Asking Alexandria, will be joining the band on tour.
“We are thankful to @shaunwfoist for all the years of playing with us and being a part of the Breaking Benjamin family. The fall tour starts tomorrow, and we are welcoming our friend @cassells to the stage,” a collective statement from Breaking Benjamin read on social media.
Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace will launch their co-headlining fall tour on Friday, August 29 at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri, with special guest Return To Dust. The trek continues through October 12, where it will wrap up at Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, Oklahoma.
In addition to their co-headlining shows, Breaking Benjamin will also make appearances at several festivals, including Rocklahoma and Louder Than Life Festival.
For more information on Breaking Benjamin’s upcoming tour dates, visit their official website.
