AFTER FOREVER has issued the following announcement:

"We deeply regret to announce that, under medical advisory, Sander won’t be joining the band for the scheduled performances at the CD presentation, nor the Earthshaker Roadshock tour. He’s currently seeing doctors to diagnose and treat the problems so that he can get back to the band as soon as possible."

Gommans, meanwhile, has issued the following statement, shedding some light on the situation:

"Lately, when I've been under stress or performing any heavy activity, I get spells of vertigo and debilitating black-outs, followed or preceded by a migraine. The last few performances with the band did not go as well as I would have liked because of these symptoms and I'm afraid it seems to be getting worse. I'm seeking medical advice to try and figure out what exactly is going on so that I can get better and get back to performing as soon as possible.Touring and performing are pretty taxing and strenuous, and I have therefore been advised to remain off stage until this affliction has been properly diagnosed and treated. It's really difficult for the band and particularly for me personally to have to bow out at this crucial time, but I'm afraid it's necessary at this point. I need to follow doctor's orders and take care of myself. I can assure you that my main priority is still After Forever and getting back in gear to perform as soon as I am able. Please hang in there and understand that this is a difficult time for me, so some respect for my privacy will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your support and well-wishes. It means a lot!"

Gommans' replacement for the Roadshock tour with FINNTROLL, TAROT, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, MACHINE MEN and ALL ENDS is expected to be revealed soon. Dates for the tour are as follows:

April

27 - Antwerp, Belgium at Hof Ter Loo
28 - Osnabrueck, Germany at B51
29 - Hamburg, Germany at Markthalle
30 - Adelsheim, Germany at Live Factory

May

1 - Berlin, Germany at Postbahnhof
2 - Munich, Germany at Backstage
3 - Frankfurt, Germany at Batschkapp
4 - Nuernberg, Germany at Hirsch
5 - Vienna, Austria at Planet Music
6 - Padova, Italy at Sottoopra
7 - Pratteln, Switzerland at Z7
8 - Essen, Germany at Zeche Carl
9 - Saarbrücken, Germany at Garage
10 - London, UK at Scala
11 - Heerhugowaard, Holland at Waerdse Tempel
12 - Strasbourg, France at La Laiterie
13 - Paris, France at La Locomotive