Tal Wilkenfeld, an Australian bass wunderkind, has been recruited to fill in for alt-rock stalwarts Incubus while long-serving bassist Ben Kenney recovers from brain surgery.
The band confirmed the news in a social media statement.
“Our Incubus brother and bandmate, Ben Kenney, is now recovering from a recent medical surgery and will be unable to perform with us on our forthcoming run at the end of the month,” according to the post.
“Our excellent friend Tal Wilkenfeld will fill in on bass in his absence, and we are excited to perform with her on these shows!” We wish Ben a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him back onstage!”
Honored to have been asked to perform with @IncubusBand to fill in for my awesome friend @vatoben on their upcoming tour. This Saturday Jan 28th- Picnic Festival, Costa Rica. Jan 31- Corpus Christi TX. Feb 2- San Antonio TX. Feb 3- Houston TX, Feb 4- New Orleans! pic.twitter.com/zRMPdUvgLv
— TAL (@talwilkenfeld) January 26, 2023
Wilkenfeld’s tour with the band will begin on January 28 at Costa Rica’s Picnic Festival and will continue with performances in Texas and New Orleans.
“Honored to have been asked to perform with Incubus to fill in for Ben Kenney on their forthcoming tour,” Wilkenfeld wrote in her post, which included photos of the band.
Kenney wrote on Instagram, “Unfortunately, last year, I discovered I had a brain tumor. When I returned home from my trip, I had a successful operation to remove it.
To recover, I’m taking a break from traveling and social media this year.”
“While I’m away, my friend @talmeastory is filling in on bass with @incubusofficial. I won’t be there physically, but I’ll be there in spirit. I miss you all and hope you and your families are safe and well.”
Tal Wilkenfeld grew up listening to Incubus, and her 2019 alt-rock solo album, Love Remains, reveals their influence. “The 14-year-old Incubus super-fan me is shitting her pants,” she said when guitarist Mike Einziger joined her for a virtual jam in May 2020.
