Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have canceled all their upcoming live gigs as drummer Leah Shapiro undergoes brain surgery.
She broke the shocking news on the band’s official Facebook page, stating that she had been feeling very dizzy and experienced severe neck pain.
Shapiro joined Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in 2008 as a replacement for founder member Nick Jago.
Shapiro sought medical attention after she started experiencing symptoms including dizziness, insomnia, headaches, tingling/numbness in her hands and a stiff neck.
The drummer revealed that she requires treatment for Chiari malformations found in her brain. These malformations are structural defects in part of the brain and skull which control balance and other functions.
Leah wrote, “The bad news is that when Rob, Pete & I tried to rehearse this week for the Moon Block Festival on Saturday, I realised that the effects of this illness has made it impossible for me to play drums. I just can’t do the music any justice right now. And so, it is with deep regret that we’re going to have to pull out of the show on Saturday.”
Despite the serious surgery that she requires, Shapiro remains optimistic, “As you can imagine, I’m hardly looking forward to having my skull cracked open and my brain operated on, but it’s the only thing that’s going to help me get better. And while the thought of not being able to play drums for several months while I recover from the surgery totally sucks, I’m determined to make a full recovery and get back to playing music with Rob & Pete as soon as I can.”
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are currently in the studio mixing the audio for a new live CD and DVD.
