Volbeat: video footage of Michael Poulsen's actual on-stage collapse posted online
Video footage of singer/guitarist Michael Poulsen of Danish metal rock 'n' rollers Volbeat collapsing approximately 30 minutes into the band's set Sunday night (November 28) at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland can be viewed below (Note: The collapse occurs around the 2:30 mark.) Poulsen was rushed to nearby St. Elisabeth hospital, where he was treated for exhaustion and flu-like symptoms.According to reports, Poulsen complained of chest pain and nausea before losing consciousness halfway through "A Warrior's Call". He also suffered fatigue and reported having upper respiratory discomfort and coughing in recent weeks.
One person who attended last night's concert told Blabbermouth.Net that Poulsen informed the audience at the start of the show that he was feeling ill "but didn't want to disappoint the fans" and attempted to carry on with the performance.
In a statement on the band's web site, Poulsen said that he's doing fine. "Ten minutes before stage time I felt really bad and dizzy, and my whole body was really heavy," he wrote. "I felt weak and I had chest pain while breathing. I only remember playing the two first songs. Every time I was trying to breathe, I felt dizzy and couldn't see anything else but sharp light.
"The doctors said that it was crazy to play the shows while I was sick, and and they were surprised that it [didn't happen to me earlier]. All the tests they did at the hospital [were] fine, and everything looked good. Actually, I'm in really good shape and my heart and blood are fine.
"I'm sorry to let you people down, but in my heart I know you understand, and I thank you so much for your concern and kind words and support."
Volbeat will be back on the road in the U.S. with Metallica for five shows in early December - including stops in Las Vegas, Boise, Sacramento, Anaheim, and San Jose. Also appearing on the bill is Machine Head.
"Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood", the third studio album from Volbeat, received a U.S. release on March 17 via Mascot Records. The follow-up to "Rock The Rebel / Metal The Devil" features 14 tracks, including a Social Distortion cover as a bonus cut on all editions. Seven of the songs share a common lyrical theme, which will be continued on future records, and the artwork is also based on this storyline. The CD was recorded at Hansen Studios with producer Jacob Hansen, who also worked with the group on its previous two records.