Korn have revealed that their guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer has tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement shared to their social media pages, the nu-metal titans said that their founding axeman is "doing OK," and that their ongoing U.S. tour with Staind and '68 will proceed forward without him.
"Unfortunately, Munky has tested positive for COVID," the band wrote. "He is doing OK, but he will not be playing some of our upcoming shows. The tour is going on as scheduled despite these circumstances, and we are anticipating a speedy recovery."
"We'll see you tonight, Utah," they added.
The news is only the latest speed-bump in a tour that's been already been wracked by last-minute lineup changes and COVID scares. Back in June, founding bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu announced that he was taking an indefinite hiatus from the band to deal with "personal issues," so his role on this tour has been filled by Suicidal Tendencies' bassist Roberto "Ra" Díaz.
Everything was hunky dory for the first couple weeks, and then frontman Jonathan Davis announced that he had tested positive for COVID, which led to two August dates getting canceled and six others being rescheduled. Last week, the singer was still suffering from lingering symptoms that forced him to perform part of his set while seated in a massive throne.
Korn did not reveal who will be temporarily replacing Shaffer's position in the lineup, and the 51-year-old guitarist has yet to share any further details about his condition on his own social accounts. Stay tuned to those for more updates as Shaffer hopefully endures a quick and easy recovery.
