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Motorhead have announced that their upcoming European tour has been cancelled, due to the ill-health of frontman Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister.
The tour was originally scheduled to take place last year, but was rescheduled to early 2014 whilst Lemmy tackled a series of health concerns related to Diabetes.
Now the band have cancelled the tour altogether, releasing a statement saying, "While there has been undoubted progress, Lemmy and the band were advised by doctors that it was still too soon to resume full touring activities."
The statement added, "No-one is hurting more over this than Lemmy, and he feels the aggravation and inconvenience of every ticket, and every method of transportation, already paid for by loyal fans in anticipation of the tour."
Motorhead frontman Lemmy, real name Ian Kilmister, was diagnosed with diabetes in 2000, and advised by doctors to reduce his drug taking, drinking and smoking. In an interview with the Independent in 2010 though, the singer said, "They did tell me to cut back, yeah, but I thought that I may as well die of something I enjoy."
The band, who released their 21st studio album, Aftershock, last year, formed almost 40 years ago in 1975. Read the full statement on their tour cancellation below.
"It is with great regret that Motörhead has to announce the cancellation of their European tour, scheduled to start February, 2014. Many concerted, diligent and focused efforts were made by founding member, and international icon, Lemmy Kilmister to deal with a range of health issues relating to diabetes. While there has been undoubted progress, Lemmy and the band were advised by doctors that it was still too soon to resume full touring activities, and so for the good of the future, the band and Lemmy reluctantly agreed to cancel.
"No-one is hurting more over this than Lemmy, and he feels the aggravation and inconvenience of every ticket, and every method of transportation, already paid for by loyal fans in anticipation of the tour. Being a road warrior of over 50 dedicated, non-stop years, it is equally distressing for him to be unable to occupy the top lounge of the trusty tour bus (his spiritual home) but Lemmy recognises that his long-term health must win. It goes without saying that Lemmy profusely apologises for inconveniences caused, but he does want everyone to know that he is continuing on the road to a full recovery, and that the prognosis long-term is very good."
