Cannibal Corpse Guitarist Erik Rutan's Florida Residence Suffers 'Catastrophic Damage' Due to Hurricane Helene

CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist Erik Rutan has exited the band's European headlining tour due to "catastrophic damage" inflicted on his residence in St. Petersburg, Florida, as a result of Hurricane Helene. On Friday, September 27, Hurricane Helene traversed the Southeast, causing extensive flooding in Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia. The Tampa Bay area, particularly St. Petersburg, faced considerable repercussions.

Yesterday, CANNIBAL CORPSE stated via their social media: "Due to catastrophic damage to his home from Hurricane Helene, Erik Rutan has left the tour to be present with his family at this time. Our hearts go out to Erik and his Wife as they deal with this situation."

CANNIBAL CORPSE's European tour, featuring MUNICIPAL WASTE, IMMOLATION, and SCHIZOPHRENIA, commenced on September 20 in Oberhausen, Germany, and is scheduled to conclude on October 20 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Rutan became a permanent member of CANNIBAL CORPSE in 2021, taking over the role of guitarist from longtime member Pat O'Brien.

Rutan is esteemed as one of the foremost guitarists in the death metal genre, having achieved prominence during his time with MORBID ANGEL in the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as through his contributions as both vocalist and guitarist for HATE ETERNAL. Additionally, he is a highly regarded producer, primarily working from his Mana Recording studio located in St. Petersburg.