DEVILDRIVER bassist Aaron “Bubble” Patrick is sitting out the band’s Metal Alliance Tour after being diagnosed with Streptococcus pneumonia, an inflammation and swelling of the lung, caused by an infection with the bacteria. Filling in for Patrick is his former BURY YOUR DEAD bandmate Chris Towning.

Aaron‘s mother, Jane, has released the following update on his condition:

“The Streptococcus pneumonia has damaged Aaron‘s liver, kidneys and bone marrow. He has been able to cough up a fair amount of infection, but his lungs are still very full. Along with the pneumonia, there have also been a series of side effects that are taking a toll on his body. A horrible case of pancreatitis has developed, which caused his fever to persist. He is still dependent on oxygen and cannot be released until he can breathe sufficiently and the oxygen is not required.

“So now his release date may be pushed back until early next week, March 20? Then he must rest at least a week before getting on a plane, as the lungs cannot take the pressure. I am hoping to get him home on a non-stop flight around the 30th of March. He will have to again rest for weeks. The doctor told me it was touch and go before I got [to the hospital]. We are hopeful for release early next week.

“Prayers, please!”

A photo of Patrick in the hospital can be seen below.

The Metal Alliance Tour — which also features THE FACELESS, DYING FETUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, IMPENDING DOOM and WRETCHED — kicked off this past Thursday, March 15 at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.

Patrick joined DEVILDRIVER as the replacement for Jonathan Miller, who quit the band in March 2011, calling it “the most difficult decision of my life” but “something that I needed to do for myself.”

Source: Blabbermouth.net