According to Blabbermouth, Swedish rock band The Hellacopters have issued a statement regarding their founding guitarist Dregen who has not been performing live with them for around three years. In the social media post, the group explained that Dregen’s hand injury had prevented him from playing some of the songs on tour and that the damage he has suffered in his fingers is permanent. As such, Dregen will no longer be a part of The Hellacopters and will be replaced by LG Valeta who had been stepping in on his behalf for the past couple of years.
The band offered, “As most of you know, Dregen hasn’t been playing with us for roughly three years now, due to his hand injury. All of us have been hoping that he would fully recover and return to the band at some point, but the tremendously sad fact is that the damage to his fingers is permanent. While he can still play some rhythm guitar most of our songs are just not doable anymore. As a founding member of the band, Dregen will always be a huge part of the family and he will continue to be with us in spirit. LG Valeta, who has been filling in for him since the injury, will carry on with us going forward.”
The Hellacopters have certainly kept busy with their musical endeavors these past couple of years. The band released their latest album Overdriver in January of last year, spawning three singles in “Leave A Mark,” “(I Don’t Wanna Be) Just A Memory” and “Do You Feel Normal.” The group was also included on the 2025 lineup for Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise alongside Social Distortion, Rocket From The Crypt and X.
Photo credit: Raymond Flotat
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