Testament lead vocalist Chuck Billy tests positive for coronavirus after 'Bay Strikes Back' tour in Europe
Chuck Billy, frontman of thrash metal band Testament has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the group, who recently returned from the 'Bay Strikes Back' tour of Europe earlier this month, decided to get tested for the coronavirus after feeling unwell.
According to reports, some crew members were also affected, but the band has not specified who exactly has contracted the virus.
"As of yesterday morning, Chuck and (his wife) Tiffany Billy's tests have come back positive as well as some crew members," the band said in a group statement on Facebook on March 22.
They explained to all their supporters that they are "doing what's right and what's safe" and that they have all quarantined themselves even before being tested since their return home.
"We are, of course, concerned for our families, our friends, our crew, our fellow musicians, and our fans. We’ve reached out to support our fellow Bay Area Bands who are also being proactive in their own camps, staying quarantined and safe, and will speak on their individual situations if and when they are ready to.”
According to Rolling Stone, bands Exodus and Death Angel, who joined Testament on their tour, have reported feeling sick since their return to the US. Exodus' guitarist Gary Holt, who has recently retired from Slayer, spoke on Instagram that he and his wife Lisa had been "suffering from all the symptoms of Corona, without the beer."
They said they have been tested for the virus, but they would have to wait upto 10 days for the results. Additionally, Death Angel drummer Will Carroll has been hospitalized for an undisclosed illness.
Carroll's fiancée, Leeshawn Navarro, posted on social media, "Need even more healing vibes, candles, prayers, love, everything you have for Will."
Holt also posted about Carroll on March 21 that Carroll "is in need of some massive positive vibes." He said, "[It's] WAY worse than anything I'm dealing with, by a long shot. Not even close. He is very ill. There are several of us that have symptoms and are waiting for test results. Will needs some healing vibes from everyone."
Testament concluded their Facebook statement saying that currently they "are focused on staying safe and quarantined, resting, getting ourselves back to health, and of course, sending well wishes, prayers and positive energy towards our friends who are also sick."
They added, "We also want to send well wishes to all of our fans and supporters in this time of crisis. We're taking all the necessary steps to stay safe at home and we ask our friends and fans to do the same. Please take care of each other and stay healthy so we can continue to thrash in the not so distant future!"