The Tallah vocalist Justin Bonitz has shared an open letter via Metal Hammer regarding his 2024 HIV diagnosis.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks cells that help the body fend off infections, making those infected immunocompromised [via HIV.gov]. Bonitz tested positive for the virus in October 2024 after routine bloodwork.

The singer’s letter was published this past weekend to coincide with the release of Tallah’s new album Primeval: Obsession // Detachment. In the letter, he detailed some health struggles he has faced due to the virus and explained its impact on his ability to perform.

How Did Bonitz Learn of His HIV Diagnosis?

Bonitz began his letter by recounting how he learned of his diagnosis. He mentioned that he had been recovering from pneumonia and was experiencing other ailments at that time.

“I had just finished recording vocals for Tallah’s new album, Primeval: Obsession // Detachment, which I did in one, non-stop, unedited, album-long take. It was easily the proudest moment of my entire life and I was still riding that wave…until I opened the letter,” the singer wrote.

“You never think it can happen to you until it does, right? I have always been so careful! I am 34 years old and have only had seven sexual partners my whole life — all serious relationships. I never caught any STIs, never partook in hook-ups, one-night-stands, group sex, nothing!”

Bonitz discovered that he contracted the virus from his most recent ex-partner, who had apparently become infected a few months prior through his roommate but was unaware of it.

How Did Bonitz Feel After Learning of the Diagnosis?

Bonitz described the initial weeks following his diagnosis as very challenging, filled with existential dread and other complex emotions. He noted that some song lyrics he had written before learning about his HIV diagnosis seemed to foreshadow how his life was about to change.

“I had wanted it to be more personal, so I wrote everything via stream of consciousness and applied a story to it after-the-fact. Not to be dramatic, but when I look back at these lyrics, I wonder, ‘Did I predict my future?’,” the singer explained.

One example he cited was, “It’s already decided. Don’t test your fate, because you might hate what you find… It’s already transpired. You’re just catching up.“

How Is Bonitz Dealing With His HIV Diagnosis Now?

Bonitz has performed only four times since last October and admitted that he was initially afraid of being around people because he viewed social interactions as a risk to his health.

Now that nearly a year has passed since learning about his HIV status, his outlook is somewhat more optimistic. He mentioned that he is taking medication for the virus and that it has not affected his physical strength, although he did experience some kidney damage as a result of the medication.

“With how good today’s treatment is, I think natural aging will take me down before this disease does,” he wrote.

“That being said, there is still an undetectable level of virus running through my blood and because my immune system is so responsive, it causes systemic inflammation, which absolutely affects my vocal cords.”

READ MORE: How Tallah’s Justin Bonitz Learned to Scream

Bonitz noted a few changes he has observed in his voice, particularly in some of his screams. However, he assured that his voice hasn’t thinned out and his range remains unchanged.

“To be completely transparent, touring does have me worried,” he shared. “My bands do not play to a click track when we perform live, which means there are no vocal backing tracks or anything to hide behind. Not trying to knock bands who use that stuff; I am just saying I will need to be extra cautious about my vocal health and physical health while on the road, which will definitely disrupt fan interaction.”

The frontman concluded the letter with a commitment to continue pursuing his musical endeavors, including new material for his solo project Hungry Lights. He hopes that fans will not be disheartened if he appears less engaging in person and aims to set an example for others by prioritizing his health.

Read Bonitz’s full letter on the Louder Sound website and learn more about HIV/AIDS on HIV.gov. Check out Tallah’s upcoming tour dates on Ticketmaster.