Machine Head guitarist, Phil Demmel collapsed onstage on Friday, 12 December 2008 whilst onstage supporting Slipknot at the Sheffield Arena.

Thrash Hits photographer, Gary Wolstenholme was there and snapped Demmel onstage in Sheffield prior to his collapse.

In light of Demmel’s illness, Machine Head have decided to cancel the two remaining dates of the European tour in Antwerp, Belgium and Luxembourg.

According to Blabbermouth, Singer/guitarist Robb Flynn originally said:

“He’s doing much better now and taking it easy. As Phil has mentioned before, the doctors say he suffers from episodes of Cardiogenic Syncope and has for the last 17 years or so. We’re all a little worried here in our camp, but Phil genuinely wants to carry on. It is a bit unclear to us as to why these keep happening, but at Phil’s request, we will finish out all these dates through to Metallica in LA [on December 17 and December 18]“

However, after some consideration, bassist Adam Duce said:

“After considering the seriousness of Phil’s health condition, we all feel that skipping these last two shows is the best thing to do. It’s a bummer to end this tour like this after doing nine amazing weeks and three continents with Slipknot, but getting Phil back to the States to get checked out is the most important thing right now.”

Machine Head @ Sheffield Arena photo gallery by Gary Wolstenholme