Grammy-nominated rock band SPLITS with lead singer as he battles rare health condition
Grammy-nominated rock band I Prevail shared a sad message with their fans on social media.
They've split with co-lead vocalist Brian Burkheiser, who had been with the band and co-lead singer with Eric Vanlerberghe since their formation in 2013.
Vanlerberghe will handle all of the vocals with guitarist Dylan Bowman providing supporting vocals going forward.
The new lineup for the Michigan-based band has already played a show together in Columbus, Ohio at the Sonic Temple festival and on Saturday, May 17, they will play at Welcome to Rockville.
The split was amicable as Burkheiser is going through some serious health issues.
The statement read: 'To Our I Prevail Family: Today we share that we are mutually parting ways with Brian Burkheiser.
'This was a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right one and we are all grateful for the 10 epic years we shared together.
'We wish Brian nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. Moving forward, Eric will continue to be the powerhouse frontman you've come to know and love.'
The group did not elaborate on the reason for the split, but Burkheiser has been battling a rare nerve condition called Eagle syndrome, which causes nerve pain in the face, neck and throat due to atypical bone or tissue structures.
And Brian has previously said the condition has 'broken' him over the last few years.
Brian disclosed his condition to fans in May 2024, saying he'd undergone several surgeries in an attempt to gain control over the disease.
Alongside a photo of him in hospital, he wrote: 'I recently underwent multiple surgeries for a rare disease called Eagle Syndrome.
'It pains me to do this, but unfortunately I will have to miss the next month of shows as the recovery process continues.
Gabe Helguera, Eric Vanlerberghe, Brian Burkheiser, Dylan Bowman, and Steve Menoian of I Prevail attend the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020
'Initially, I thought I could push through the pain, but my body and mind just need more time to heal.'
He continued: 'If I'm being honest, this disease has broken me over the last few years. I knew something was wrong dating all the way back to 2018, and it wasn't until recently that I officially figured out the problem.
'I've pushed myself through multiple tour cycles trying my best to keep a positive spirit, but as the days passed by, the negativity and pain grew. I could write a book with the list of symptoms that come with this disease.
'Sadly, Eagle Syndrome isn't known by many, and it's a very silent killer. Most I've talked to with it are suicidal, feel like a burden to those around them, and have trouble doing the simplest tasks.
'I have felt many of those feelings, but now I'm on a mission to help spread awareness and be a voice for those who suffer.
'Please go sing your hearts out and support them. I'm incredibly proud of Dylan and Eric stepping up and taking over for me while I'm gone.'
In addition to his heath battle, Brian also became a dad earlier this year when he and his wife Caitlyn welcomed their son Benson in January.
At the time, he shared a group of photos on Instagram and captioned it: 'Mom and Dad never knew a love like this could exist.'
Many fans were absolutely devastated by the news, with one fan dramatically expressing, 'There goes my favorite band...'
Another fan wrote: 'Brian is the heart of the band. How can you continue to live without a heart.
Someone else opined: 'His clean voice is fundamental for your sound, I heard you guys without him and, though it was a great show, it was not the same, something clearly missed. I realize we are all humans and sometimes life brings decisions to be made, but I sincerely hope you will find a great replacement for the clean parts of the songs.'
I Prevail formed in 2013 in Southfield, Michigan. They released their debut EP, Heart vs Mind in 2014.
They rose to fame when they released a metal cover of Taylor Swift's Blank Space as a single, which eventually was certified platinum in the US.
The band has since released three studio albums, Lifelines (2016), Trauma (2019), and True Power (2022).
The band also has had success with their original material as well, with the singles Breaking Down and Hurricanes doing well on rock radio.
I Prevail's single Bow Down was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2019, the same year their album Trauma was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.
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