Covid 19 coronavirus: Northland metal band Alien Weaponry has to cancel major European gigs over pandemic

Northern Advocate

19 Apr, 2020 09:00 PM3 mins to read

Waipū rock band Alien Weaponry have had to cancel major tours this year due to the coronavirus crisis.

The dream of playing major tours this European summer - including at some of the largest festivals there are - have been shattered for Waipū rock band Alien Weaponry as the coronavirus pandemic sees events across the world cancelled.

Alien Weaponry, one of New Zealand's most prolific international touring acts, has had to cancel its European and UK tour this coming summer season, citing travel restrictions and festival cancellations resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to start in June, it would have been their third season touring Europe and the UK since their 2018 debut at Germany's Wacken Open Air.

This year would have seen them playing main stages at festivals like Nova Rock in Austria and Mystic Festival in Poland, alongside the likes of Judas Priest, System of a Down and the Foo Fighters.

"We are gutted that we won't be able to make it over this summer, but rest assured we will be back among our fans as soon as we can. Stay metal, stay safe," frontman and lead guitarist Lewis de Jong said in a statement released by the band's European promoters.

An extensive headline tour of Scandinavia, the Netherlands and the UK was also scheduled and is now cancelled.

"We are so bummed to be disappointing fans," said drummer Henry de Jong, "but understand the importance of us all working together in this time of global crisis to do what's best for our communities".

He was also full of praise for New Zealand and how Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her team are handling the Covid-19 crisis.

"She's awesome. I'm so proud to be a Kiwi at the moment, and urge everyone to stick to the plan and stay at home."

The band had just started recording their second album at Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios when New Zealand went into lockdown; and will resume the recording and commence production of new music videos when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

"We have been taking the time in isolation to work on new ideas and material, which may find their way onto the album," bass player Ethan Trembath said.

"We're making the most of being in our bubbles and getting stuff really pumping for when touring finally kicks off again, but in the meantime we're focused on staying healthy, staying safe and staying home."

The band is already working with agents and promoters for its 2021 plans, but say it's too early to make promises and, like many touring artists, they are taking things one day at a time.