Phil Fasciana, founding guitarist of Florida death metal legends Malevolent Creation, is currently hospitalized in critical condition after being diagnosed with a severe case of bacterial pneumonia.
According to reports, Fasciana was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital in Montpelier, France, on Thursday night (July 16). The medical emergency occurred in the midst of the band’s ongoing European tour, forcing him to withdraw from all upcoming performances.
Earlier today, the remaining members of Malevolent Creation — Ronnie Parmer (drums), Jesse Jolly (bass, lead vocals), and Chris Cannella (guitar) — issued an official statement confirming the news: “Dear Malevolent fans, far and wide: It is with immense sadness that we report our helmsman Phillip Fasciana was admitted to the ICU in Montpelier, France last night. He developed what the doctors deemed to be a severe case of bacterial pneumonia, which may have spread to surrounding organs. He has been listed as being in critical condition. His family has been notified and will be deciding on next steps, based on what is best for Phil‘s condition and overall health.”
The band continued: “We are all crushed to see him in this situation, and it is absolutely life-threatening. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers, and hope for a full recovery. It is with the support and direction of his immediate family that we will finish the remainder of the tour in Phil‘s absence, as he needs to focus on his recovery.”
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Malevolent Creation will proceed with their European dates as a trio, beginning with tonight’s show at Razzmatazz in Barcelona, Spain.
Fasciana remains the sole original member of Malevolent Creation, a band he co-founded in Buffalo, New York, back in 1986 before relocating to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Over the course of nearly four decades, he has been the driving force behind the band’s relentless sound, steering them through countless lineup changes and maintaining their position as one of death metal’s most enduring names.
