Nile frontman Karl Sanders missed his first show with the band in 19 years at Hellfest 2024. According to a lengthy post by Sanders, he fell seriously ill after the Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium and has since been hospitalized.
Nile went on to play Hellfest as a trio featuring only drummer George Kollias, guitarist and vocalist Zach Jeter, and bassist and vocalist Dan Vadim Von. We hope Sanders is doing better today and look forward to Nile getting back to their usual four-piece selves… though damn, the trio sounded great from what little I can hear in the below video!
"I'm heartbroken to share that I became seriously ill after Graspop and have been in an emergency hospital this week in Belgium. As a result, I am going to have to miss Nile's performance at Hellfest.
"This is the first time in 19 years that I, personally, have not played a show due to illness, and it's incredibly hard for me to disappoint you all.
"Over the many years of my career with Nile, I have played shows while combating broken bones, neck injuries, back injuries, hand and wrist injuries, and all conceivable varieties of tour flu and infection sicknesses. If there were any way at all for me to make the show at Hellfest, believe me I would be there to participate in Metal. It's just not possible this time.
"However, in the spirit of metal perseverance, the other members of Nile — George, Dan, and Zach — will be there to play the show as a three-piece. Please show them your support as they bravely give it their all to bring you the music that we in Nile love to share. Your energy and enthusiasm will make all the difference to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. It will make me happy to see videos of epic moshing and classic Nile chants at Hellfest from my sickbed!
"Thank you for your understanding and support. I appreciate all of you, and will see you back on tour with the guys in September."
Jeter added after the performance: "Hellfest 2024 was one for the books, to say the least. Due to illness, our brother Karl was unfortunately unable to join us on stage. As much as we missed him, the show had to go on. Alongside George Kollias and Dan Vadim Von we crushed this show as a 3 piece!
"To the Hellfest crowd, you guys were fucking awesome and made it all worthwhile. We'll be back in Europe with Karl in September for 'The Underworld' tour, see you out there!"
