Symphony X bassist Michael LePonds is undergoing surgery to combat symptoms of Crohn's disease, with which he has recently been diagnosed. As a result, the band's summer festival dates in Sweden and Spain will all be cancelled. A message from LePonds reads as follows:


FROM MICHAEL LEPOND -

To whom it may concern,

I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease (an Inflammatory Bowel disorder). This has caused an obstruction in my small intestine, making it impossible to digest solid foods. Currently, I am hospitalized where they can feed me through an I.V. unit supplemented with a liquid diet.

But, there is some good news. The doctors tell me that with a surgical procedure, they will have me back to 100% in about 6 weeks, and although it is a chronic disease, this procedure will make it much easier to control it's effects in the future.

I want to thank the band, the crew, the fans and everyone else involved for your understanding and support during this tough time. You will all make my healing process much easier and I'll be back on the bass in no time.


Michael LePond


Anyone wishing to send Michael get well wishes can do so via this email address: getwellmike@symphonyx.com. All emails will be printed out and given to Michael until he's able to access the mailbox on his own.