'90s Metal Band Parts Ways With Drummer Amid North America Tour
Six Feet Under, the death metal band fronted by founder Chris Barnes, unveiled a major change ahead of its highly anticipated tour.
The Florida-based band delivered a surprising announcement confirming the departure of its longtime drummer, Marco Pitruzzella.
Six Feet Under and the former member did not disclose the reason behind his exit and simply stated that they had "parted ways" at the beginning of May.
Following the news, the band also introduced his successor, Ruston Grosse, who worked alongside the death metal band Master.
"Just wanted to let all our fans, worldwide, know that we are beyond excited to start our European tour this coming week, and kicking off our intense summer touring schedule which will last into the fall and finish up in South America in October/November," the official statement reads as cited by Blabbermouth. "We also would like you to help us welcome our new drummer!! Ruston Grosse, who has previously worked with MASTER, and others! We have been working together with Ruston for a few months preparing, and formally since the beginning of May after we parted ways with Marco Pitruzzella."
Moreover, the band also expressed its excitement for this "new chapter," especially with the arrival of its new member, whom it described as a "brutalizer" and a "great guy."
"We will see you all, from the stage, SOON!!!" the message says.
Meanwhile, Ruston showed his gratitude to the band, saying he was extremely "honored to share the stage with Chris, Jack, Ray, & Jeff as well as to be stepping in for Lord Marco."
"I'm absolutely f–kin' stoked to pummel the masses with the guys on these next attacks!!!" he shared in his social media post.
Six Feet Under is booked and busy with back-to-back activities in line with its tour and new album release.
The band's 15th studio album was officially launched on April 24, showcasing the lead single "Unmistakable Smell of Death."
Adding to the list is the band's 2026 tour, which will kick off this June and visit major cities in Europe and North America during a three-month run before concluding in August.
Six Feet Under 2026 Tour Dates:
June 3 – Gdańsk, PL @ Mystic Festival
June 4 – Berlin, DE @ Franz
June 5 – Maastricht, NL @ Pitfest
June 6 – Cologne, DE @ Gebäude 9
June 7 – Saarbrücken, DE @ The Garage
June 10 – Košice, SK @ Colosseum
June 12 – Nickelsdorf, AT @ Nova Rock
June 13 – Budapest, HU @ A38
June 14 – Ljubljana, SI @ Orto Bar
June 16 – Memmingen, DE @ Kaminwerk
June 17 – Munich, DE @ Backstage Halle
June 19 – Aschaffenburg, DE @ Colo-Saal
June 20 – Dessel, BE @ Graspop Festival
June 21 – Clisson, FR @ Hellfest
June 23 – Hamburg, DE @ Logo
June 24 – Copenhagen, DK @ Copenhell
June 26 – Spálené Poříčí, CZ @ Basinfire Festival
June 27 – Hauteville, CH @ Abyss Festival
Jul. 8 – Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary
Jul. 9 – Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace
Jul. 10 – Montreal, QC @ Fairmount
Jul. 11 – Ottawa, ON @ Overflow
Jul. 12 – Worcester, MA @ Palladium Upstairs
Jul. 13 – Hamden, CT @ Space Ballroom
Jul. 14 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
Jul. 15 – Bensalem, PA @ Broken Goblet
Jul. 16 – Raleigh, NC @ Chapel of Bones
Jul. 17 – Jacksonville, FL @ Albatross
Jul. 18 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
Jul. 19 – Orlando, FL @ Conduit
Jul. 21 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
Jul. 22 – Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
Jul. 23 – Lubbock, TX @ Jake's
Jul. 24 – Farmington, NM @ Lauter Haus
Jul. 25 – Phoenix, AZ @ Nile
Jul. 26 – Los Angeles, CA @ 1720
Jul. 27 – Fresno, CA @ Strummer's
Jul. 28 – Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone
Jul. 29 – Roseville, CA @ Goldfield
Jul. 30 – Boise, ID @ Shredder
Jul. 31 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
Aug. 01 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Aug. 2 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw
Aug. 4 – Calgary, AB @ Arrowhead
Aug. 5 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
Aug. 6 – Saskatoon, SK @ Black Cat
Aug. 7 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theater
Aug. 8 – Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
Aug. 9 – Madison, WI @ The Annex
Aug. 10 – Covington, KY @ Madison Theater
Aug. 11 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie's
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 12:09 PM.