Dutch symphonic rockers Epica were recently forced to cancel their North American tour while on the road in the US due to vocalist Simone Simons' father falling ill. According to an update from Simons her father is on the road to recovery. She has posted the following message to the North American fans:

"Thank you for helping Epica and I, by being so incredibly understanding and caring through this unknown journey. Canceling a tour was the second nightmare that came true in a short period of time, but we will make it up to you! We were all so looking forward to go to North America finally again and then this happened. On top of that Coen (keyboards) also couldn't join us on this tour, but we were bound to make this tour happen.

We will be back, all six of us, full force!

I want to thank my bandmates, our management and crew for being the best buddies to work with. It is unbelievable how kind and understanding you all have been. I am grateful to have you. We are a good team that supports each other through the good and the bad. It kind of feels like we're married ;)"

Epica's European tour schedule is as follows:

Epica/Eluveitie co-headline with opener Scar Symmetry:

October
27 - Oberhausen, Germany -Turbinenhalle
28 - Neu Isenburg, Germany - Hugenottenhalle
30 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Hala Euronic
31 - Krakow, Poland - Laznia Nowa Theater

November
1 - Berlin, Germany - Huxleys
3 - Nürnberg, Germany - Löwensaal
4 - Milan, Italy - Live Club
5 - Bologna, Italy - Estragon
7 - Grenoble, France - Belle Electrique
8 - Rennes, France - L’Etage
9 - Lille, France -  Aeronef
11 - Bristol, England - Academy
12 - Manchester, England - Ritz
14 - Glasgow, Scotland - Garage
15 - London, England - Forum

This summer, Epica performed at numerous European festivals, among them Wacken, Graspop, Hellfest, and Fortarock. During this run Jens de Vos and his Panda Production team filmed Epica both on and off stage for an after-movie. Check it out below: