Ministry had to cancel their gig in Paris on Saturday night after frontman Al Jourgensen collapsed and was subsequently hospitalised, report Loudwire.
The band were mid-way through their set at Bataclan as part of their DeFiBriLlaTouR shows, when Jourgensen collapsed. While the frontman has a long history of addiction and health problems, recently telling Rolling Stone "[f]or the last four tours, I’ve been puking up blood" a statement released on the band’s Facebook page suggests no evidence of intoxication. Here’s the statement:
"[Jourgensen] was examined by numerous physicians and diagnosed to have had a full-system collapse due to extreme dehydration and heat exhaustion intensified by the lack of ventilation on stage at the venue. Doctors confirm via blood tests conducted that Jourgensen’s alcohol blood levels were well below normal and no narcotics were found in his system […]
"Jourgensen extends his most sincere apologies to his devoted Parisian fans who displayed so much love, respect and concern for him before and after the Ministry show. Says Jourgensen: “I will make it up to you, somehow. I love Paris, I love the Parisian people. I’m so sorry …but, shit happens and the shit hit the fan for me last night.”
While the band had to cancel their slot yesterday at the L’Etaples France Rock en Stock Festival, they are intending to play the rest of the dates on tour.
