Voivod Cancels October 2026 U.S. Tour Dates

Tour Cancellation and Refund Information

The veteran Thrash Metal group Voivod was originally scheduled to embark on their "American Tour 2026 Part 2" trek starting on October 8 in Youngstown, Ohio. The tour was set to run through October 18, with support from the Richmond, Virginia-based metal-punk trio Bat, featuring members Ryan Waste, Nick Poulos, and Chris Marshall. On October 3, the band released an official statement via social media confirming they would be unable to fulfill these commitments.

"Dear Fans, It is with heavy hearts that we must cancel the US tour dates with BAT due to family health emergency in the Voivod clan. We would like to say postponed and give you a new time period but Voivod can’t commit to any dates right now. Tickets will be refunded at point of sale, we ask fans to wait a few days until the ticketing systems have been alerted. Thank you for your understanding and support."

— Voivod

Following the announcement, the support act Bat shared the band's post with a message of solidarity, stating:

"Our love and respect goes out to Voivod."

— Bat

Fans have largely responded with support for the band's decision. One Instagram user commented,

"Not a bummer not sad. Totally human and understandable. The world has received much from voivod and is better for it."

— Fan Response

"Sending positive vibes and well wishes to everyone."

— Fan Response

Details of the Family Health Emergency

While the band did not specify the exact nature of the current emergency in their cancellation notice, the Voivod family has been public about several serious health battles involving multiple members and their relatives throughout 2026. In August, the band announced that Carol Langevin, the 60-year-old brother of drummer Michel "Away" Langevin, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While Loudwire initially identified Carol as Langevin's sister, the band's official statement and a corresponding GoFundMe campaign clarify that Carol is his brother.

In an August 2026 social media update, the band detailed the significant health challenges they have faced this year, including the status of vocalist Denis "Snake" Bélanger and former frontman Eric "E-Force" Forrest:

"This year has been a hard one for the Voivod family. At the start of the year, we learned that E-Force, who fronted the band in the 90s, has been fighting prostate cancer, and he is still out there on the road with us, filling in for Snake with everything he has. Snake is home at the side of his partner Christine, who is bravely facing colorectal cancer. They are in our hearts every single day. And now cancer has struck our family once more. Carol Langevin, brother of our drummer Michel "Away" Langevin, is fighting pancreatic cancer at 60. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Carol and his loved ones through treatment and the hard road ahead. If you can donate, every contribution counts, no matter the size. If you cannot, please share this post. It truly makes a difference. For more than 40 years, this community has shown us what solidarity means. Let's show Carol, and the whole family, what the Iron Gang can do. Thank you for your love and support."

— Voivod

Band History and Future Schedule

Formed in 1982 in Jonquière, Québec, Voivod has evolved from a speed metal act into a unique blend of progressive and thrash metal. They are frequently cited as one of Canada's "big four" thrash bands, alongside Sacrifice, Razor, and Annihilator. The group achieved significant mainstream recognition with their 1989 album Nothingface, which peaked at number 114 on the Billboard 200.

The band previously faced a major health crisis in August 2005, when founding guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour passed away from complications related to advanced colon cancer. After a brief retirement, the group returned to the stage in 2008 for the Heavy MTL festival. The current lineup includes original members Michel "Away" Langevin and Denis "Snake" Bélanger, alongside guitarist Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain and bassist Dominic "Rocky" Laroche, who joined in 2014.

As of now, Voivod has only two scheduled live appearances remaining on their calendar. They are slated to perform at the Théâtre du Palais Municipal in Quebec in January 2027 and are also booked for Maryland Deathfest in May 2027.