Metal Sludge — Word on social media is that Rock N’ Skull promoter Justin Murr has been hospitalized with Covid-19.

A post on the promoter’s official Facebook wall reads: “It’s not a pretty picture but it’s real. I’m on a ventilator… helping me to breath… Covid is no joke… thanks for the concern.”

Murr lives in the state of Illinois where the latest Covid-19 variant Delta has been dominating the state’s population of roughly 13 million.

“The Delta Variant Is Dominating Illinois’ Latest COVID Surge” says an article in the Illinois News Room from mid August 2021.

Another industry veteran has also fell victim to Covid in recent days.

Long time music journalist and pod-caster Chris Akin from The Classic Metal Show has also been hospitalized with the illness.

Akin updated his friends on his Facebook wall the following on September 6th: “I very much appreciate everyone checking in, but I literally can’t answer everyone… as I really am pretty ill. So I’ll try to keep the loop closed here but keep y’all updated daily. Today has seen some breathing progress. That said, it’s both covid and pneumonia in the lungs, so it’s gonna take awhile. “

Akin wrote to his followers a week earlier back on September 1st: “Last week I completely lost my voice from what I thought was the flu. It turns out it’s Covid. As of right now, I’m still super sick and not anticipating that I’ll be good to do this week’s CMS either.”

The Classic Metal Show co-host has since been hospitalized.

Akin resides in Ohio, and has publicly admitted to not being vaccinated, and states: “The vax discussion for me before had a lot more to do with medical history than being a beat my chest badass.”

Sources have also privately revealed to Metal Sludge that Murr was not vaccinated either, but there is no word from Murr or his family to confirm or deny the promoter’s vaccination status.

Metal Sludge wishes both Justin Murr and Chris Akin – to get well – and get vaccinated, of course at the direction and advice of your primary care-giver.

As many know, an industry friend to many Bill Chavis of High Vol Music passed away last week after his battle with Covid-19.

Chavis was not vaccinated and his wife is currently battling the same illness.

With respect, we at Metal Sludge choose to get vaccinated and we have.