The heavy music community is rallying around Hellfekted drummer Connor, who has announced that he is stepping away from the band following a diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy.
In an emotional statement shared through the band’s social media, Connor explained that he was diagnosed in December after experiencing absence seizures that can leave him completely unaware of what is happening around him.
The seizures have also caused him to lose hours of memory — a terrifying reality that has affected rehearsals, touring and everyday life.
This is heartbreaking news, mun. 🖤
A FRIGHTENING DIAGNOSIS
Connor explained that the first recognised seizure he experienced in a Hellfekted setting happened during a rehearsal in Leeds earlier this year.
During the episode, he forgot the material the band had written, could not remember the songs they were rehearsing and even picked up a guitar while insisting that he was not the drummer.
It is the sort of experience that is difficult to imagine unless you have lived through it.
One moment you are rehearsing with your band, surrounded by familiar faces and familiar songs. The next, everything has vanished into confusion.
For Connor, the diagnosis has changed far more than his place behind the drum kit.
He revealed that epilepsy has also affected his job and driving licence, adding even more uncertainty to an already deeply difficult situation.
EUROPEAN SHOWS ENDED BEFORE THEY BEGAN
Hellfekted had recently travelled for their first European shows, but Connor was sadly unable to perform after suffering a seizure during soundcheck on the opening night.
It was his first time back with the band since the rehearsal incident in Leeds.
By the time Connor had fully recovered, the band’s scheduled set time had already passed.
Even more distressingly, he believed that he was still in England despite being abroad with the group.
That moment appears to have made the reality of the situation impossible to ignore.
After conversations with the band, Connor made the painful decision to step down as Hellfekted’s drummer in order to protect his health.
“I DO NOT WANT TO DO THIS AT ALL”
Connor made it clear that leaving the band was not something he wanted.
In his statement, he wrote:
“I want to state that I do not want to do this at all. However, it’s something that should happen for my health.”
Those words say everything.
This is not somebody walking away because the passion has gone.
This is somebody being forced to leave behind something they love because their health must come first.
That is brutal.
Bands are not simply hobbies for the people inside them. They are families, identities, creative outlets and years of sacrifice packed into rehearsal rooms, long drives, tiny stages and countless hours behind the scenes.
Connor said that Hellfekted had given him some of the greatest experiences of his life and that he had poured everything into the band both on and off stage.
STILL PART OF HELLFEKTED’S FUTURE
Although Connor will no longer be Hellfekted’s drummer, he confirmed that he will remain involved behind the scenes during work on the band’s upcoming album.
That means his influence will still be present in the next chapter of the group.
The live shows may look different, but the work, memories and creative contribution Connor has already given Hellfekted cannot be erased.
His statement continued:
“I’m going to miss it, I’m going to miss the band and I’m going to miss you all. It has been some of the best experiences of my life.”
He ended by thanking fans for their memories and support before signing off with a simple but devastating message:
“Gutted. Thank you for the memories and support. Wish me luck.”
THE METAL COMMUNITY STANDS WITH CONNOR 🤘🖤
There are moments when the noise, chaos and glorious madness of heavy music need to take a step back.
This is one of them.
Connor’s health is more important than any gig, rehearsal, tour or album deadline.
His honesty in speaking publicly about epilepsy may also help others understand how serious and unpredictable the condition can be.
Not all seizures look the way people expect. Some can involve confusion, memory loss, staring episodes or a complete disconnection from what is happening nearby.
Connor has shown enormous courage by sharing such a personal and frightening experience with the public.
The Riff Report sends Connor our love, respect and very best wishes as he adjusts to this new chapter.
Thank you for every beat, every rehearsal, every show and every ounce of energy you gave Hellfekted.
The kit may be quieter, but the support from the metal community will be louder than ever.
Look after yourself, Connor.
Your health comes first, butt. Always. 🖤🤘🔥
