BURNING WITCHES guitarist Courtney Cox recently opened up about the physical challenges she faces while touring with the Swiss metal powerhouse, revealing that she has been managing three herniated discs in her lower back for years.
Speaking with Side Jams With Bryan Reesman, Cox shared details about her life in Germany—where she relocated three years ago—as well as her passions for fitness and food. But the conversation took a serious turn when she discussed her longstanding back issues.
“I have three herniated discs in my lower back from a nasty car accident from when I was way younger, so I really have to be careful,” she explained (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “I was too scared to have surgery, and then I was suggested not to have the surgery because I was too young. So I’ve kind of just dealt with it. At first I had to have an epidural every three months just to live. But as I’ve gotten older, sometimes it acts up if I move the wrong way or lift something the wrong way. Knock on wood, so far I’ve been okay.”
Cox also noted that surgery is now an option, citing her bandmate Romana’s experience.
“Actually, the other guitar player, Romana, just had the surgery done,” she said. “She had the same problems I have in her lower back, and we actually almost had to end our last U.S. tour early because she moved the wrong way. Then being in a van for hours on end, she could barely walk. She was in and out of urgent cares and getting this shot and that shot. But then when we finally got home, she went in and had the back surgery.”
Despite her condition, Cox insists her back rarely hinders her performance.
“I don’t normally notice it,” Courtney she added “Obviously, with the strap, you can adjust and move, but with your central gravity and stuff, you have this piece of wood, so you’re constantly trying to fight not going forward and always trying to be conscious of keeping your shoulders back… The show must go on, though.”
Originally from the Philadelphia area, Courtney Cox began her musical journey by leaving her hometown of Essington at nineteen to pursue her career in Los Angeles. She became the lead guitarist for the acclaimed tribute band THE IRON MAIDENS, where she spent 14 years honing her skills. Cox has also contributed her guitar work to bands such as FEMME FATALE and THE STARBREAKERS before joining BURNING WITCHES.
BURNING WITCHES‘ latest studio album, Inquisition, was released last month via Napalm Records.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.