New EPICA bassist Rob van der Loo (MAYAN, DELAIN), who recently replaced Yves Huts, has checked in with the following update:

"Yesterday I've experienced some serious and unexpected health issues. To make sure I can be treated correctly I have to run a couple of tests at the hospital, and my doctors also advised me to take some rest before going on full power again. Though this is hard for me to accept, it's also something which I have to respect since health is a very precious thing. This does mean that I won't be able to be on the European tour until all examinations are done (hopefully wihin the next couple of days). Of course I will join the band as soon as possible but unfortunately I can't give an exact date as of yet. I wish the rest of the band and crew all the best for the start of the tour and I really can't wait to join!"

The band issued the following statement in the wake of the news:

"Despite these unforseen circumstances we'll kick off the European Tour today (April 13th) with a temporary solution for Rob's absence. While we await his return we wish him a swift recovery. The show must go on!"

Epica's complete European tour schedule is available below:

April

14 - Les Docks - Lausanne, Switzerland - SOLD OUT -
16 - Orion - Rome, Italy
17 - Alcatraz - Milano, Italy
19 - Razzmatazz - Barcelona, Spain
20 - La Riviera - Madrid, Spain
21 - Incrivel Almadense - Lisbon, Portugal
22 - Hard Club - Porto, Portugal
24 - Bikini - Toulouse, France
25 - Theatre Barbey - Bordeaux, France
27 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
28 - Stadthalle - Langen, Germany
29 - Bataclan - Paris, France - SOLD OUT -

May

10 - Den Atelier - Luxembourg, Luxembourg
11 - Backstage - Munchen, Germany
12 - Szene - Vienna, Austria
13 - Club 202 - Budapest, Hungary
15 - Megaclub - Katowice, Poland
16 - Progresja - Warsaw, Poland
18 - Masters of Rock Cafe - Zlin, Czech Republic
19 - Kd Vltavska - Prague, Czech Republic
20 - Colombia Club - Berlin, Germany
23 - Paard van Troje - Den Haag, The Netherlands
25 - Principal - Thessaloniki, Greece
26 - Gagarin 205 - Athens, Greece