Dez Fafara, frontman of DEVILDRIVER and COAL CHAMBER, has shared details about a tumor in his head, which was discovered two years after a vertigo incident during a tour cancellation.
In an interview with The Garza Podcast hosted by SUICIDE SILENCE guitarist Chris Garza, Fafara revealed that the vertigo episode occurred on a Saturday afternoon when he suddenly collapsed in his home, spinning uncontrollably, prompting an emergency response.
He described being wheeled out on a gurney and later being shown a head MRI that revealed a tumor, initially feared to be cancerous.
The tumor, located in the jawline near the saliva gland and roughly the size of a dime, was confirmed non-cancerous during a December 2023 test by a medical professional.
Fafara said he was initially overwhelmed but ultimately felt empowered, stating, 'I jumped up and hugged her and lifted her in the air.
She was just, like, "Oh my God." And I was, like, "I'm so sorry," and even [my wife] was, like, "I'm so sorry for him.
He's just emotional right now." Medical professionals have advised that the tumor must grow slightly before surgery due to the risk of affecting speech, blinking, and smiling.
Fafara confirmed that he undergoes MRI scans every six months and has seen the tumor shrink slightly in size during his most recent scan.
He emphasized his personal commitment to overcoming the condition through fasting, a low-sugar diet, and positive thinking, stating, 'I'm personally gonna make it go away with dieting, fasting and positive thought.
It's gonna go away.
Period, end of story.' The tour cancellation that followed the vertigo incident in 2024 — originally scheduled for August 2024 and rescheduled to March/April 2025 — was officially called off in January 2025.
The 'Fiend For The Fans' U.S.
tour was set to feature support from FEAR FACTORY, TWIZTID, BLACK SATELLITE, and FRAYLE.
Fafara noted that the incident marked a turning point, as he believes his body would have never alerted him to the tumor if the vertigo had not occurred.
Despite his health challenges, Fafara remains active in music.
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 tour across the western United States in 2026 with UPON A BURNING BODY and OV SULFUR, beginning August 14 in San Diego, California, and concluding on September 5 in Anaheim, California.
Fafara reaffirmed that he will perform in Australia in August and emphasized that no tours will be canceled due to his health condition."