Eloy Pulls Out Of NEARfest

[Magic Mountain]

NEARFEST PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2012

Eloy has medical exigency, must pull out of NEARfest Apocalypse lineup

We regret to inform the progressive rock community that the legendary German symphonic prog band Eloy must cancel its planned NEARfest Apocalypse headline appearance due to a serious medical exigency. Back in March, lead guitarist/singer Frank Bornemann was struck by a delivery van while riding his bicycle. Frank's injuries required surgery, hospitalization, and extensive rehabilitation. Nevertheless Frank was hopeful he could recover in time to perform with Eloy at NEARfest in June. Unfortunately some recent setbacks in his recovery have made this impossible, with doctors verifying that any traveling or gigging could lead to the damage becoming permanent. All the members of Eloy were dearly looking forward to coming to play in the USA for the first time. Airline tickets, work visas, and the necessary backline had already been procured. They, and we, are extremely disappointed that they now cannot perform at NEARfest. But Frank's long-term health is the paramount consideration here for all of us involved; no concert is worth permanent physical damage. Eloy is hopeful that their already-rescheduled German concert dates can proceed in Autumn 2012, of course depending on the pace of Frank's continued recovery. Frank asks for your warm thoughts and healing energy as he continues in his difficult rehabilitation.

Even though we are deeply disappointed, the final NEARfest show must go on and we are unbowed in our aim to bring the festival history to a close in a blaze of glorious progressive music. We are presently in advanced negotiations with a first-class, world-renowned, legendary, headliner-status progressive rock band to fill the Sunday night slot at the NEARfest Apocalypse. We hope to have all the necessary details squared away within the next couple of days, and begin publicity once the ink is dry on the performance contract.

[Magic Mountain]

NF promotors have announced that they have a confirmed band to replace Eloy. Thye have asked permission from the band to make the announcement. the only hint that they gave is the following "I guarantee some people, not the majority but SOME people, will be displeased"

[NorCalKurt]

I hope Frank recovers soon. I for one was bummed at the news of Eloy's dropping out. I'm sure the NF guys have something good lined up as a replacement!