Guitarist Richard Fortus was unable to travel to Australia this week for the upcoming dates with The Dead Daisies due to motorcycle accident. Dave Leslie of The Baby Animals has stepped in to take his place.
“I was involved in a motorcycle accident recently and as a result, I not be able to make the tour,” Richard said in a statement. “The doctors say I will make a full recovery. I’m devastated that I will not be able to play to the Australian and New Zealand fans, who have been so supportive and loyal. Thank to everyone for their well-wishes.”
Dave Leslie started brushing up on the Dead Daisies setlist on the weekend. “Richard Fortus is an amazing guitar player and I’m really thrilled to be asked to cover for him,” Dave said. “I am going to have to pack an extra bag of socks, because his are extremely big shoes to fill!”-
The Dead Daisies released their second album ‘Revolucion’ in Australia last week.
Richard Fortus full statement
Since The Dead Daisies have now announced that I am not going to be able to do the Australian tour, I’d like to share my statement here-
On September 17, 2015, I was involved in a motorcycle accident. As a result, I broke my shoulder blade, collar bone, six ribs, a toe, I have a bruised lung, lacerated liver and a concussion.
Amazingly, my doctors have assured me that I will make a full recovery. I have never missed a show in my entire career and unfortunately, I will have to miss the entire Australian and New Zealand leg of this tour. I am devastated that I will not be able to play for the Australian and New Zealand fans, who have been so supportive and loyal.
I am healing quickly and getting stronger by the day. I’m looking forward to rejoining the Daisies for the KISS Kruise as well as the Whitesnake tour and our own tour of the UK and France.
I’d like to thank everyone for their well-wishes and can’t wait to be back in Australia very soon. rf
Tour Dates with KISS in Australia and New Zealand
Saturday, October 3 – PERTH Arena
Tuesday, October 6 – ADELAIDE Entertainment Centre
Thursday, October 8 – MELBOURNE Rod Laver Arena
Friday, October 9 – MELBOURNE Rod Laver Arena
Saturday, October 10 – SYDNEY AllPhones Arena
Monday, October 12 – NEWCASTLE Entertainment Centre
Tuesday, October 13 – BRISBANE Entertainment Centre
Friday, October 16 – AUCKLAND Vector Arena
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