What Happened to Bradley James "Dez" Fafara?
Dez Fafara is an American vocalist renowned for fronting the metal bands Coal Chamber and DevilDriver. After a period of health challenges, including a near-fatal bout of COVID-19 in 2021 and the discovery of a benign tumor in his jawline/salivary gland in late 2024, Fafara has maintained an active career. He recently released DevilDriver's eleventh studio album, "Strike and Kill," on July 10, 2026, and is preparing for an upcoming U.S. tour.
Quick Answer
Dez Fafara, the influential frontman for DevilDriver and Coal Chamber, continues to be active in the metal scene despite recent health issues. In late 2024, he experienced a medical emergency that led to the discovery of a benign tumor in his jawline, which he publicly clarified in July 2026 is not a brain tumor. He has adopted a positive mindset and lifestyle changes to manage his condition, with doctors noting the tumor has shown signs of shrinking. Fafara's band, DevilDriver, released their eleventh album, "Strike and Kill," on July 10, 2026, and is set to embark on a U.S. tour in August 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born Bradley James Fafara
Bradley James Fafara, known as Dez Fafara, was born in Santa Barbara, California.
Co-founded Coal Chamber
Dez Fafara co-founded the nu-metal band Coal Chamber with guitarist Miguel "Meegs" Rascón.
Coal Chamber releases self-titled debut
Coal Chamber released their self-titled debut album, which went gold.
Formed DevilDriver
Fafara formed the groove metal band DevilDriver, which would become his primary musical project.
Coal Chamber disbanded; DevilDriver debut album
Coal Chamber disbanded, and DevilDriver released their self-titled debut album.
Coal Chamber reunion announced
It was announced that Coal Chamber would reunite for Australia's Soundwave Festival in early 2012.
Coal Chamber releases "Rivals"
Coal Chamber released their fourth studio album, "Rivals," their first new material in over a decade.
Suffered near-fatal COVID-19
Dez Fafara experienced a severe, near-fatal bout of COVID-19, leading to lingering health complications.
DevilDriver canceled Bloodstock due to heart inflammation
Heart inflammation, a lingering effect from his COVID-19 battle, forced DevilDriver to cancel their appearance at the U.K.'s Bloodstock festival.
Medical emergency and tumor discovery
Fafara suffered a blackout and severe vertigo, leading to an emergency room visit where doctors discovered a benign tumor in his jawline/salivary gland.
Coal Chamber tour canceled due to health
A rescheduled Coal Chamber U.S. tour was scrapped due to Fafara's ongoing health emergency.
DevilDriver releases "Strike and Kill"
DevilDriver's eleventh studio album, "Strike and Kill," was released via Napalm Records.
Publicly reveals benign tumor diagnosis
Dez Fafara publicly disclosed on The Garza Podcast that he has been battling a non-cancerous tumor in his jawline/salivary gland for nearly two years, clarifying it is not a brain tumor.
DevilDriver North American tour begins
DevilDriver is set to kick off their "Strike And Kill" North American tour in San Diego, California.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Bradley James "Dez" Fafara established himself as a prominent figure in the metal world, first gaining recognition as the vocalist for the nu-metal band Coal Chamber, which he co-founded in 1994. The band released several albums, including their self-titled debut in 1997, before disbanding in 2003. Following Coal Chamber's initial split, Fafara immediately formed DevilDriver in 2002, shifting towards a more aggressive groove metal sound. DevilDriver quickly became his primary musical outlet, releasing numerous albums and touring extensively.
Coal Chamber reunited in 2011, performing at festivals and releasing a new album, "Rivals," in 2015. However, Fafara's focus largely remained with DevilDriver, which continued to release new material and maintain a rigorous touring schedule. Beyond his musical endeavors, Fafara also founded The Oracle Management, an artist management company that oversees bands like Cradle of Filth and Black Satellite, as well as his own projects.
The past few years have presented significant health challenges for Fafara. In 2021, he suffered a near-fatal bout of COVID-19, which left him with lingering health complications, including heart inflammation that forced DevilDriver to cancel a Bloodstock festival appearance in 2023. In late 2024, Fafara experienced a severe episode of vertigo and a blackout, leading to an emergency room visit where doctors discovered a tumor. This health emergency also led to the cancellation of a planned Coal Chamber tour in 2025.
In July 2026, Fafara publicly addressed his health, clarifying that the tumor is benign and located in his jawline, directly above his salivary gland, not in his brain as some initial reports suggested. He revealed that the tumor is currently too small and in a delicate spot for surgery, as it could affect facial nerves, speech, and blinking. Fafara has adopted a proactive approach, focusing on diet, intermittent fasting, and a positive mindset, which he believes has contributed to the tumor reportedly shrinking, a rare occurrence according to his doctors.
Despite these personal struggles, Fafara remains committed to his music. DevilDriver released their eleventh full-length album, "Strike and Kill," on July 10, 2026, to positive reviews. The album is noted for its direct and powerful lyrical content, with Fafara stating he approached it as if it were his last or first record. DevilDriver is scheduled to kick off a North American tour on August 14, 2026, demonstrating Fafara's resilience and dedication to his craft. He credits his faith, family, and the unwavering support of his fans for helping him navigate these difficult times.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Bradley James "Dez" Fafara made different choices?