Full Breakdown
Knocked Loose Presses On Amid Health Setbacks on European Tour Opening for Metallica
5/31/2026, 4:15:05 AM
Tour Overview and Core Challenges
Kentucky-based metalcore band Knocked Loose is touring Europe and the United Kingdom as a supporting act for Metallica, with joint appearances by French progressive metal group Gojira on several dates. Two days after the tour began, frontman Bryan Garris was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy after experiencing facial numbness in Sofia, Bulgaria. On May 29, 2026, guitarist/vocalist Isaac Hale reported being struck by a car. Both musicians have continued performing, and the band has not missed a scheduled show.
Background: Opening for Metallica and Gojira
Opening for Metallica is a high-profile slot that provides exposure to stadium-size audiences. Knocked Loose, previously Grammy-nominated and featured at Coachella, secured the support position for Metallica’s 2026 European leg, which also includes shared billing with Gojira at multiple venues.
Key Band Members Affected
- Bryan Garris – lead vocalist; diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, received steroid treatment and acupuncture while remaining on the road.
- Isaac Hale – guitarist and secondary vocalist; also a member of Inclination and XweaponX; sustained injuries after a vehicular collision but indicated intent to continue touring.
Timeline of Health Incidents
- Early May 2026 – Tour launch, opening for Metallica across Europe.
- Day 2 of tour – Garris experiences facial numbness; emergency care in Sofia leads to Bell’s Palsy diagnosis.
- May 29, 2026 – Hale posts an update confirming he was hit by a car; reports minor injury and continues performing.
- May 30 – June 28, 2026 – Band fulfills scheduled shows in Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Scotland, and England without cancellations.
Data: Upcoming Dates
Fourteen European/UK dates remain:
- 05/30 Berlin, Germany – Olympiastadion (Metallica & Gojira)
- 06/01 Milan, Italy – Circolo Magnolia
- 06/03 Bologna, Italy – Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (Metallica & Gojira)
- 06/06 Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound
- 06/09 Kraków, Poland – Tauron Arena (Bring Me The Horizon)
- 06/13 Budapest, Hungary – Puskás Aréna (Metallica & Gojira)
- 06/14 Hradec Kralové, Czech Republic – Rock For People
- 06/16 Nijmegen, Netherlands – Doornroosje
- 06/19 Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting
- 06/21 Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium (Metallica & Gojira)
- 06/22 Belfast, Northern Ireland – Limelight
- 06/23 Dublin, Ireland – The Academy
- 06/25 Glasgow, Scotland – Hampden Park (Metallica & Gojira)
- 06/28 London, England – London Stadium (Metallica & Gojira)
Official Statements & Responses
Garris addressed his condition on social media, emphasizing ongoing treatment, rest, and his ability to perform. Hale’s update highlighted the accident, noting minor discomfort but also a positive moment (“got this boba after and it was really good”). The band’s communications consistently frame the incidents as challenges being managed without interrupting the tour schedule.
Criticism & Opposition
No critical commentary or opposition to the band’s decision to continue performing was identified in the available sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Garris commented on his social media earlier this week of his condition: “Thank you to everyone that checked out the new mini doc on the Knocked Loose YouTube channel and thank you to everyone that reached out about my sudden onset of Bells Palsy.” — Bryan Garris, vocalist, Knocked Loose
- “Tour update got hit by a car yesterday felt bad but got this boba after and it was really good” — Isaac Hale, guitarist/vocalist, Knocked Loose
- “The show must go on.” — Unattributed statement appearing in coverage of the tour
What’s Next
Knocked Loose will complete its European/UK engagements through June 28, 2026. Following the tour, the band has announced a co-headlining North American run with rapper Denzel Curry, supported by Superheaven and Boundaries. The upcoming dates will test the group’s capacity to maintain its performance schedule amid the health setbacks.
