Coal Chamber drummer Mikey “Bug” Cox has suffered a broken femur following a fall during a pickup basketball game, forcing him to sit out the band’s upcoming performances at Sick New World Texas and a Halloween show in Anaheim, California.
Cox revealed the injury in a social media update on October 23, explaining that a collision with another parent sent him crashing onto concrete while playing basketball with his son. The fall shattered his femur, requiring surgery and the insertion of three pins. He expects to be unable to walk for at least six weeks.
The setback comes after Cox’s recent battle with cancer, which has involved chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries. His health had already affected Coal Chamber’s touring plans earlier this year, and the drummer acknowledged that his body has endured a difficult stretch.
Despite the injury, Cox made clear that he did not want the band’s scheduled performances to be canceled. With his blessing, DevilDriver drummer Davier Pérez Ortega will step in for the upcoming shows.
In his statement, Cox expressed his disappointment at missing the performances but voiced confidence in his replacement, whom he described as a trusted longtime collaborator.
“My boy Davier Perez will be filling in for me. He’s been with me for years, has my complete trust, and is basically the 5th member of Coal Chamber. I know he’s going to KILL IT!”
The affected dates include Coal Chamber’s appearance at Sick New World Texas this weekend and the band’s Halloween show at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California, alongside P.O.D., Cradle Of Filth and Black Satellite.
Cox also said he hopes to attend the Halloween concert as a spectator while continuing his recovery. Despite the challenges of the past two years, he remains determined to return to the stage.
“I’ve fought my way through cancer, and I’ll fight my way through this too. I WILL BE BACK! Nothing will stop me! Next year is going to be HUGE for Coal Chamber!”
Cox closed his message by thanking fans for their continued support of both himself and the band as he begins another difficult recovery.
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