Breaking Benjamin drummer Shaun Foist has announced that he will be stepping away from the road to prioritize his health after years of battling Hashimoto’s disease. The condition, which affects the thyroid, has caused severe fatigue, leg weakness, stiffness, weight changes, and complications that have made drumming increasingly difficult for the musician
In a heartfelt statement to fans, Foist shared the struggles he’s faced and his decision to take time away:
“Friends, family, and most importantly, the fans— I’ve battled Hashimoto’s disease since 2017, facing fatigue, leg weakness, stiffness, weight changes, and overall drum playing control issues. During the Awaken the Fallen tour, I was experiencing extreme leg fatigue and complications, making drumming nearly impossible. We ran tests on my back that came out fine thankfully, but tests confirmed Hashimoto’s had flared, pushing my thyroid into ‘hyper’ mode, causing weakness and weight loss. After speaking with my family and doctors, I’ve decided to step away from the road at this time to focus on healing. Please continue supporting the band and enjoying the shows. I care deeply about our legacy, and I don’t want my health to affect performances. Thank you for the years of love and support. I will play drums again. ❤️ – SF”
