Dez Fafara, frontman of DEVILDRIVER and COAL CHAMBER, has clarified that he does not have a brain tumor or brain cancer, correcting misinformation spread by some media outlets.
In a post on Instagram on July 29, Fafara wrote: "READ CAREFULLY CAUSE PRESS HAS GOT IT WRONG!" He emphasized: "I DO NOT HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR, I DO NOT HAVE BRAIN CANCER as reported and this is the problem with the internet! I have a tumor THATS NOT CANCEROUS ON MY SALIVA GLAND - not on my brain." Fafara revealed that the non-cancerous tumor, located just above his jawline near a salivary gland, was discovered during a vertigo episode in 2022.
He passed out after waking from a Saturday afternoon routine, prompting an emergency visit to the ER.
Following extensive testing, including an MRI, doctors identified the tumor.
On Christmas Eve 2024, a needle biopsy was performed near the side of his face, and within 20 minutes, the doctor confirmed it was not cancerous.
Fafara described the moment as "a fantastic Christmas Eve that was." The tumor remains in a delicate location, affecting facial nerves related to blinking and smiling, and cannot be surgically removed until it grows.
Fafara noted that it has not grown over the past two years and may have even shrunk.
Despite its position, it does not interfere with his daily activities, including performing and singing.
He expressed confidence in its eventual resolution, stating: "I live an incredibly healthy life & my MINDSET is that I'm going to make this thing shrink/go away which they have been known to do and if it can be done THEN I CAN DO IT!" Fafara also highlighted his commitment to transparency, explaining that he had kept the issue private for years, sharing it now to inspire others facing health challenges.
He said: "I've been dealing with the weight of this alone only close family knew but I'm inspired to tell people not to ever give up or get down about things that happen.
Instead take a positive outlook & fight & deal with it.
Humor helps too - let me tell you." In January 2025, COAL CHAMBER canceled its previously rescheduled 'Fiend For The Fans' U.S.
tour — originally set for August 2024 and postponed to March/April 2025 due to Fafara's health emergency.
The tour was to feature support from FEAR FACTORY, TWIZTID, BLACK SATELLITE, and FRAYLE.
DEVILDRIVER's new album, 'Strike And Kill,' was released on July 10 via Napalm Records.
The band's current lineup includes guitarists Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold, drummer Davier Ortega Perez, and returning bassist Jon Miller.
DEVILDRIVER will embark on a North American tour in 2026, kicking off on August 14 in San Diego, California.
The tour will visit major cities including Dallas, Chicago, Salt Lake City, and Reno, concluding on September 5 in Anaheim, California, with support from UPON A BURNING BODY and OV SULFUR."