Carla Harvey, co-vocalist of the BUTCHER BABIES, will be unable to participate in the band’s upcoming European tour with FEAR FACTORY and IGNEA due to an imminent eye surgery. She previously underwent a significant surgery for retinal detachment in her right eye, and similar symptoms are now manifesting in her left eye.
To prevent permanent vision loss, Harvey must undergo an emergency operation and will need to rest post-surgery. Despite her absence, the tour, which runs from October to December, will continue with co-vocalist Heidi Shepherd covering her parts.
The 47-year-old singer said in a statement: “Here’s a picture of a girl in her happy place; unfortunately i won’t be in that happy place on the upcoming @butcherbabies Euro run. Love you all but i have to sit this one out!
“I have a history of problematic vision and I had to have a major surgery about 10 years ago in my right eye for a retinal detachment. On our summer tour the telltale symptoms repeated themselves in my left eye. I’ve been hoping to avoid major surgery but it is clear that it must be done. My emergency surgery will include a healing process of laying face down for a number of days with a gas bubble in my eye.”
This is the first time in fifteen years i won’t be able to join my friends on stage but right now my health and sight take precedence for me. While I am gutted that I cannot make the tour the risk of me waiting till after a tour to do such a surgery is too great and includes permanent vision loss. The beauty of having two vocalists is that Heidi can cover for me until i’m better!
“Hoping to make it out for part of this euro run…go to the shows, have a blast and support my bandmates for me! I’ll see you soon!”
The tour featuring BUTCHER BABIES, FEAR FACTORY, and IGNEA is set to commence on the 27th of October in Nottingham, United Kingdom and will wrap up on the 16th of December in Helsinki, Finland.
