Stryper guitarist Oz Fox to no longer do “extended or intense touring” based on medical advice
It’s been a rough seven years or so health-wise for Stryper guitarist Oz Fox, and he has now received the sad news that he should be avoiding any “extended or intense touring.” This is, of course, difficult news for a musician who has been touring and playing shows across the United States of America and other countries most of his adult life.
“Following recent medical advice, Oz Fox has been advised to avoid extended or intense touring. With his full support, Stryper will tour Latin America this summer with guitarist Howie Simon, who has filled in previously. Oz may still be able to join us for occasional one-off or weekend shows, but longer trips are not recommended. We appreciate your prayers for Oz and his medical team, and we look forward to seeing you in July.”
In a statement, the band said on Monday (7th):
“Following recent medical advice, Oz Fox has been advised to avoid extended or intense touring. With his full support, STRYPER will tour Latin America this summer with guitarist Howie Simon, who has filled in previously. Oz may still be able to join us for occasional one-off or weekend shows, but longer trips are not recommended. We appreciate your prayers for Oz and his medical team, and we look forward to seeing you in July.”
Fox’s health issues seem to have really started when he unexpectedly fell down due to an undisclosed medical condition at a Sin City Sinners show at Harrah’s Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on Saturday, August 11, 2018, with Stryper about to embark on a tour of Australia in the following days. Stryper subsequently disclosed that Fox suffered a seizure, which caused him to fall, and that doctors were investigating an area of his brain that was causing some concerns. The Christian rockers ended up performing their Australia tour dates in August 2018 as a trio consisting of Michael Sweet on lead vocals and guitar, Perry Richardson on bass, and Robert Sweet on drums. Fox underwent a number of surgeries, including a successful blood patch one in mid-August 2018 and brain surgeries in early March 2021 and May 2024.
Simon has previously temporarily replaced Fox on tour dates in 2018 and 2021.
