Voivod have announced that former vocalist/bassist Eric “E-Force” Forrest will rejoin the band for their upcoming European tour, stepping in for frontman Denis “Snake” Bélanger, who is temporarily stepping away to attend to a family matter.
In a statement, the band confirmed that the decision was made after Bélanger received unexpected personal news following their recent UK, Ireland, and European festival run. Rather than cancel the scheduled summer dates, the group collectively agreed to continue with Forrest returning to the lineup.
The band explained:
“Eric Forrest (aka E-Force) to the rescue as Denis Bélanger (aka Snake) needs to attend to a family matter this summer.
E-Force from 1994 to 2000 was the lead singer and bass player for the formidable power trio years of Voïvod. Upon return from a successful UK/Ireland tour with festivals in Iceland, Netherlands and Spain, Snake received news that weighed heavily on him and needed to make a very tough decision.
The band unanimously agreed that family matters most and were set to cancel the upcoming run of summer European shows from July 10 to August 16, when Snake suggested perhaps the band could carry on if E-Force was available and interested. After all, Eric is part of the Voïvod family and is actively performing, but dealing with his own health issues.
Once reached, Eric was beyond flattered, and said he’d be able to clear his schedule and his health was in check.
A set list has been worked out. Rocky, Chewy and Away look forward to performing with E-Force and will be thinking of Snake. The show will go on and the Cosmic Voïvod Multiverse keeps expanding.
We are Connected!”
Forrest also shared his own message, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and excitement to rejoin the band on tour.
This move comes months after Voivod launched a crowdfunding campaign to support Bélanger’s partner Christine amid her battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer.
European Tour Dates
- July 10 – Milan, ITA – Frantic Fest warm-up
- July 11 – Cagliari, ITA – Cueva Rock
- July 13 – Zagreb, HRV – Vintage Industrial
- July 14 – Budapest, HUN – Analog Music Hall
- July 15 – Vienna, AUT – Arena
- July 16 – Vizovice, CZE – Masters Of Rock
- July 18 – Leoben, AUT – Area 53 Festival
- July 20 – Salzburg, AUT – Rockhouse
- July 21 – Munich, GER – Feierwerk
- July 22 – Weinheim, GER – Cafe Central
- July 23 – Essen, GER – Turock
- July 25 – Brande-Hornerkirchen, GER – Headbangers Open Air
- July 27 – Gdansk, POL – Drizzly Grizzly
- July 28 – Warsaw, POL – Hydrozagadka
- July 29 – Bratislava, SLO – Randal Club
- July 30 – Belgrade, SER – Zappa Barka
- July 31 – Brasov, ROM – Rockstadt Extreme
- August 2 – Sofia, BUL – Mixtape 5
- August 3 – Thessaloniki, GRE – Eightball Club
- August 4 – Athens, GRE – Gazarte Ground Stage
- August 7 – Ancora, POR – Sonic Blast Festival
- August 9 – Kortrijk, BEL – Alcatraz Festival
- August 10 – Trier, GER – Mergener HOF
- August 11 – Aarau, SWI – KIFF
- August 14 – Francavilla al Mare, ITA – Frantic Festival
- August 16 – Carhaix, FRA – Motocultor Festival
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