Machine Head Tap Ben Eller As Fill-In Guitarist For Current U.S. Tour

Machine Head have recruited guitarist and online guitar educator Ben Eller for their ongoing U.S. tour alongside Killswitch Engage.

The news was revealed by frontman Robb Flynn via social media, where he welcomed Eller to the touring lineup and hinted that the guitarist had relatively little time to prepare for the demanding setlist before hitting the road.

Many metal fans will recognize Eller from his popular guitar-focused online content, though he has also demonstrated his live credentials in recent years. In 2025, he stepped in as a last-minute touring guitarist for Mastodon following the departure of Brent Hinds, earning praise for quickly learning the band’s extensive catalog under challenging circumstances.

For this run, Eller is filling the role normally occupied by guitarist Reece Scruggs. While Scruggs’ absence has not been publicly addressed, Machine Head confirmed in the comments section of Flynn’s announcement that Eller is serving strictly as a temporary replacement.

Machine Head are currently touring North America with fellow Roadrunner Records veterans Killswitch Engage, while Iron Reagan are providing support on select dates.

Current Tour Dates

With Killswitch Engage & Iron Reagan:

• 06/05 Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore
• 06/06 Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest (openers vary)
• 06/07 South Bend, IN – Four Winds Field
• 06/09 Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
• 06/11 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
• 06/12 Boston, MA – Roadrunner
• 06/13 Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
• 06/14 Washington, DC – DC Warped Tour (openers vary)
• 06/16 Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
• 06/17 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
• 06/19 Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom
• 06/20 Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
• 06/21 San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
• 06/23 Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center
• 06/24 Tempe, AZ – The Marquee
• 06/25 Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
• 06/27 San Francisco, CA – Warfield

Machine Head and Killswitch Engage will reunite later this summer for a second North American leg, this time featuring support from Malevolence, Judiciary and Rivers Of Nihil on select dates.

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