Breaking Benjamin have shared some tough news with fans: longtime drummer Shaun Foist has made the brave decision to step away from the road to focus on his health.
Shaun revealed that he’s been battling Hashimoto’s disease since 2017 — a condition that’s brought fatigue, stiffness, weight changes, and serious complications while playing. During the band’s Awaken the Fallen tour, his leg fatigue reached the point where drumming became nearly impossible. After consulting with family and doctors, Shaun made the difficult but important call to put his health first.
In his statement, Shaun stressed just how much he cares about Breaking Benjamin’s music and legacy, saying:
“I care deeply about our legacy, and I don’t want my health to affect performances. Thank you for the years of love and support. I will play drums again.”
🔥 That’s the spirit of a true rocker. Even in the face of health struggles, Shaun’s heart is still pounding to the beat of the kit. Fans worldwide have already flooded social media with messages of love, respect, and gratitude for everything he’s given the band since joining in 2014.
Here at The Riff Report, we just want to say: Shaun, get well soon, butt! 🙌 Take the time you need, focus on healing, and know that the fans (us included!) will be right here waiting when you’re ready to slam those skins again.
The road might be on pause, but the rhythm of a drummer’s heart never fades. 🥁❤️
From all of us: Diolch Shaun – rest up, heal up, and we’ll see you back behind that kit when the time is right. Proper job, mun. 🤘
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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