Swedish hardcore punk band Refused has unveiled plans for their final tour following a life-threatening medical emergency involving their lead vocalist. This announcement marks the culmination of a tumultuous period for the influential band, whose career has spanned over three decades.
Dennis Lyxz?n, the frontman of Refused, disclosed via social media that he had endured a "massive heart attack" on June 13 in Uppsala, Sweden. The 52-year-old musician described the harrowing experience as "extremely painful and wildly scary." In gratitude to the medical staff, Lyxz?n stated, "Thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Uppsala hospital, I'm still around to fight another day."
This unforeseen health crisis forced the band to cancel their performance at the Rosendal Garden Party in Stockholm, an event that had been promoted as their "final festival" show in their homeland when announced earlier this year. Lyxz?n acknowledged the disappointment, saying, "A complete bummer, as I was really looking forward to it. But hopefully I/we will be able to make up to you soon."
In the wake of the incident, Refused's drummer, David Sandstr?m, took to Facebook on Sept. 10 to share a message with fans. He revealed that the band had been gearing up for a "modest farewell run" scheduled to commence in June, with the intention of "calling it quits end of year." The group had even performed a warm-up show at Kulturhuset Femman in Uppsala just two days before Lyxz?n's heart attack, playing to an intimate crowd of around 60 local music enthusiasts.
Sandstr?m's post offered a reflection on the band's journey, from their humble beginnings in 1992 to their rise as one of the most influential rock acts of the early 2000s. He reminisced about their first show, coinciding with the end of the Cold War: "We played our first show in February 1992. That same week George H.W. Bush and Boris Yeltsin held a press conference at Camp David to declare that the cold war was over."
The drummer also shed light on the band's decision to reunite in 2012 after their initial breakup in 1998. Drawing inspiration from Neil Young's "Buffalo Springfield Again," Sandstr?m explained their desire for a "do-over" and to explore what potential remained in their musical partnership. He quoted the song: "I'd like to see those guys again and give it a shot / Maybe now we can show the world what we got / But I'd just like to play for the fun we had."
Despite these challenges, Refused had planned to conclude their career on a high note. Sandstr?m described their vision as "one last big hurrah, to make the end of the band a fun, generous, indulgent affair." The warm-up show in Uppsala supported this sentiment, with the band delivering what Sandstr?m considered their best-ever performance.
Lyxz?n's heart attack, however, dramatically altered these plans. The frontman, known for his energetic stage presence and politically charged lyrics, found himself in an unfamiliar setting - a hospital room. Sandstr?m's visit to his bandmate revealed Lyxz?n's resilience and characteristic wit, even in the face of adversity. "I mean, this is not great," Lyxz?n reportedly quipped about his hospital gown, maintaining his rock star persona despite the circumstances.
Fortunately, Lyxz?n's prognosis is positive. Described by Sandstr?m as "one of the healthiest dudes I know," the singer has received excellent care and is expected to make a full recovery. Lyxz?n is reportedly eager to return to performing, even suggesting that the band maintain their scheduled dates for late fall and winter.
However, the band has opted for a more cautious approach. They have postponed their immediate tour plans and are now setting their sights on a farewell tour of the United States and Canada in March/April 2025. This concert tour, aptly named the "Farewell North America Tour," is set to go on sale on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. local time.
Formed in Ume?, Sweden, in 1991, Refused's innovative approach to hardcore punk, notably in their 1998 album The Shape of Punk to Come , has inspired a diverse array of artists, including Linkin Park, Rise Against, Paramore, and Blink-182. Their influence continues to resonate, as evidenced by their recent win at the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) Libera Awards, where their classic track "New Noise" received the Best Sync Usage award for its feature in the FX on Hulu series The Bear .
The band's current lineup consists of vocalist Dennis Lyxz?n, guitarist Kristofer Steen, drummer David Sandstr?m, and bassist Magnus Flagge. Absent is guitarist Jon Br?nnstr?m, who parted ways with the group in late 2014 after two decades of involvement.
As Refused prepares for their final chapter, they are inviting fans to participate in shaping their farewell performances. Sandstr?m encouraged supporters to suggest songs they'd like to hear, promising that the band would "give them a shot." The tour is set to conclude in Sweden sometime in the winter of 2025 or 2026, bringing the band's career full circle in their home country.
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