Gregor Mackintosh, guitarist and co-founder of British gothic metal pioneers Paradise Lost, has addressed fan concern over a noticeable change in his appearance, confirming that he is currently dealing with ongoing health issues that have resulted in significant weight loss.
The 55-year-old musician took to social media earlier today (Monday, February 23rd) to share a candid statement, saying: “Hey Everyone. I’ve been told that there are a lot of messages regarding my weight loss over the past few months. I wouldn’t normally comment on such a private thing, but I think it’s for the best in this case, to stop any further speculation.”
“I do have some ongoing health issues, which have intensified of late. I won’t bore anyone with the details, but I am getting good care, and I feel fine. None of this affects my ability to play, and I am currently on tour with Paradise Lost. The crowds are killer, and Paradise Lost is sounding better than they have in years. I truly appreciate everyone’s concern. See you on the road.”
Paradise Lost are currently touring in support of Ascension, their 17th studio album and first in five years, released last September via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2020’s critically acclaimed Obsidian was produced by Mackintosh himself and mixed and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory.
For Mackintosh, who co-founded Paradise Lost nearly four decades ago, the road has always been a means to an end rather than the destination itself. In a 2025 interview with Echoes And Dust, he reflected on what still drives him: “Yeah, because each night is different; it’s always different. Certain things happen, good or bad, within a day that make things memorable, and you can never really get bored with traveling around. I mean, the travel is boring. Flying is boring. I do get sick of airports, but actually seeing places and being in different places is great. Meeting different people.”
“I’m a bit of a loner, though. I’m not a social butterfly, so I’m very selective about how and when I hang out at these places, but yeah, I still enjoy it. The performing side is not the side that I got into this for, though. It’s the creative side. Some guys in the band live for the performing side. For me personally, it’s having a nugget of something in your head and then seeing it come to fruition and being a record was always the thing that excited me the most, and continues to do that. But the performance side, it has its highs and lows,” he added.
