Killswitch Engage Cancels 8 Shows for Frontman's Vocal Cord Surgery

By Andrew Magnotta

April 25, 2018

Killswitch Engage Frontman Jesse Leach Needs Throat Surgery

Killswitch Engage has canceled eight upcoming shows so frontman Jesse Leach can have surgery to repair an issue with his vocal cords. 

The band made the announcement Wednesday afternoon via its official Facebook page. KSE says it plans to reschedule half of the dates and asked fans to keep their tickets if they want to attend the postponed shows, though refunds will be available. 

The cancellations/postponements affect shows April 26 - May 05. Killswitch Engage hasn't addressed whether Leach's recovery will jeopardize the band's European tour, which begins in late May.

"Earlier today we found out Jesse needs to have surgery to repair an issue with his vocal [cords]," the band announced. "He is expected to make a full recovery and be fine for any future touring, but [in order to] avoid any future risk we unfortunately have to pull of these dates now."

Leach himself says he's been dealing with the issue for several weeks. The vocalist said in an Instagram post that he was on prednisone and even avoided speaking for an entire week in hopes to reduce the swelling.

"I’ve over used my voice to the point where I’ve developed a polyp that will not just go away, it needs to be removed," he wrote.

Leach added thanks to his doctors, management and bandmates for their "incredible support when I was [losing] my damn mind over this."

He later acknowledged that he would have to "rebuild" his technique with more tutelage from celebrity vocal coach Melissa Cross "to ensure this doesn't happen ever again."

Leach often sings Cross's praises and credits her with the technique that allowed him to tour for so many years without losing his voice. 

See the affected KSE shows below. See all the band's tour dates here. 


4/26 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom***

4/28 Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome To Rockville Fest

4/29 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Fort Rock Fest

5/01 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom***

5/02 Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre***

5/03 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance***

5/05 Mexico City, MEX @ Hell and Heaven Fest


Photo: Getty Images

Monday afternoon my vocal surgery will take place. It’s been a rough couple of weeks for me mentally. After being completely silent for over a week, having massive amounts of prednisone and spending time in doctors offices ... it’s official I have to go under the knife. I’ve over used my voice to the point where I’ve developed a polyp that will not just go away, it needs to be removed. I’m very grateful to Dr. Scott Kessler and Dr. Woo Peak for all of their wisdom and care. I’m also grateful to my Managers for being incredible support when I was loosing my damn mind over this. Thankful for my brothers in Killswitch for understanding and having my back. I’m looking forward to spending time with Melissa Cross after my recovery and learning to rebuild my technique and ensure this doesn’t happen ever again. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s sent me love and support. I’ve been assured this type of surgery happens quite a lot in the world of entertainment and the recovery time is much quicker than it was years ago. Lastly my apologies to all the fans who bought tickets, we will make it up to you! Thank you for understanding and all the love and support you’ve given me and the music I’m blessed to be able to make. I’m making the most of my last few days of talking by spending time with people I love. It’s going to be a quiet and contemplative few weeks for sure but it’s all part of my journey. I will keep you all posted come surgery day and my rehabilitation process. Hell maybe I can even get footage of the surgery itself to post up?! We’ll see...so yeah now you know. Here’s to a successful procedure and a quick recovery. ❤️🤘🏼 #JesseLeach #Polyp #Voice #killswitchengage #Surgery #OverUse #Vocalist #StayPositive #Metal #Hardcore #Punk #PunkRockMetalHead

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