Pantera bassist Rex Brown missed his band's highly-anticipated shows over the weekend in Chile due to "health problems," which he has since confirmed to be COVID-19.
Brown was replaced at the last minute by bassist Derek Engemann, who plays in one of Phil Anselmo's solo projects and in the grindcore band Cattle Decapitation, and Down bassist Bobby Landgraf, who joined the band for its final song of the night, "Cowboys from Hell."
In a statement, Pantera thanked Engemann and Landgraf for their help. Brown himself clarified that he is in good spirits and on his way to recovery, but will not rejoin the band for its two remaining shows this month.
"Thanks to all of our fans & everyone at Knotfest Chile for an amazing show," Pantera wrote in a statement. "Thanks to Derek [Engemann] & Bobby Landgraf for handling bass duties last night."
"A note from Rex: 'I caught a very mild strain of COVID, but because of our own protocols, I simply do not wanna risk getting my brothers or the crew sick!! I'm feeling better & am on my way to a speedy recovery. Merry Fckn Christmas & see you all next year."
The first show Brown missed was the fourth date of the Pantera tribute tour, which includes classic band members Brown and Anselmo with guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante in place of late-cofounders 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul Abbott.
The Pantera tour has more dates announced for the spring and summer in Europe. The tour will finally hit the U.S. starting in August. Go here for tour dates.