Former PANTERA and current DOWN/SUPERJOINT singer Philip Anselmo fronted fellow New Orleans noise merchants EYEHATEGOD at a hometown concert last night (Friday, August 19) at the Southport Music Hall. He was filling in for EYEHATEGOD singer Michael IX Williams, who was unable to make the concert due to "health issues." Video footage of the performance can be seen below. Anselmo will also sing for EYEHATEGOD at the seventh annual GWAR B-Q on August 20 in Richmond, Virgina. Earlier in the month, Anselmo stated about his temporary stint with EYEHATEGOD: "When our brothers in one of New Orleans's most influential music outfits needs me, I'm there, one thousand percent "There is no secret that I adore my brethren in EYEHATEGOD, as I've always supported them through thick and thin. This present situation will be no different. "In light of Michael D. Williams's health issues, which he needs to address more importantly than any other point in his life, and should be respected by anyone with a heart, I will do my best to fill in for him. Those are mighty big shoes to fill, but I shall do my best, once again. "I do believe I speak on behalf of the concerned parties when I state that we ALL NEED Mike IX Williams to heal, recover, and get better [as soon as possible]. "These gigs are NOT about me; it is about keeping the obligations of EYEHATEGOD so, as a band and force, they are able to stay true to their commitments to these two gigs. "My admiration of Mike and all his works, especially EYEHATEGOD, knows zero boundaries, hence, me doing these gigs. "Here's to Mike's recovery, and here's to supporting these shows on his behalf. Much love to everyone." Mike IX Williams added: "Phil has my full blessings for these shows and with all forces willing, I will return to the stage as soon as I am physically able." In a 2005 interview with Revolver magazine, Anselmo said about Williams: "I've known [him] since seventh grade. We'd run into each other at shows, bars, and eventually we became friends. "Mike's story is one of great sadness and great victory. At an extremely young age, both of his parents passed away. Still, every time you saw Mike Williams, his head was high. He was a cocky bastard, man. He was punk rock from the day I met him. He's such a survivor, with such will and talent." EYEHATEGOD guitarist Jimmy Bower is Anselmo's bandmate in both DOWN (where Bower plays drums) and SUPERJOINT (with Bower on guitar).
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