Breaking Benjamin drummer Shaun Foist has announced that he will no longer tour with the band for the time being. The decision comes as he battles worsening effects of Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that has impacted his ability to perform live. Foist, 42, revealed through a heartfelt message to fans that extreme leg fatigue, stiffness, weakness, and weight loss made drumming “nearly impossible” during the current Awaken the Fallen tour.

Diagnosed in 2017, Foist says that while tests on his back came back fine, recent flare-ups pushed his thyroid into a hyperactive state, exacerbating his symptoms. After consulting with family and doctors, he decided to step aside from touring to focus on healing. “I care deeply about our legacy and I don’t want my health to affect performances,” he wrote, adding: “I will play drums again.”

To ensure the live shows go forward without compromise, Asking Alexandria drummer James Cassells has been named as the temporary fill-in for Foist. Cassells, well-known in the rock scene, shared his excitement about stepping in: “It’s a huge honor to be part of this … they’ve shaped so much of who I am as a musician, and their impact on rock music speaks for itself.”

Breaking Benjamin’s fall tour kicks off on August 29th, 2025, co-headlining with Three Days Grace. The tour spans many cities across the United States and runs through October 12th, ending in Durant, Oklahoma. Despite his stepping back, Foist emphasized his continued commitment to the band and expressed gratitude to fans for their support during this chapter.

Foist has been with Breaking Benjamin since the band’s reformation in 2014 and has contributed to major albums including Dark Before Dawn, Ember, and Aurora. His energy and style behind the kit have become a defining part of their sound.

James Cassells stepping in isn’t just a logistical stopgap; it reflects the respect he has among peers. Cassells’ background with Asking Alexandria and his experience in rock/metal genres means he’s well-suited to uphold the intensity of Breaking Benjamin’s live shows.

While fans will miss seeing Foist on tour, the band reassured everyone that this is a pause, not an end. Foist’s message ends with optimism and a clear promise to return when he’s healthier. Meanwhile, audiences can expect the upcoming shows to go on, with Cassells bringing his own energy to the performances.