Motörhead cancel European tour due to Lemmy health problems

Motörhead have cancelled the remainder of their European tour while Lemmy Kilmister reportedly recovers from a hematoma. “Sometimes you can’t do anything else than following doctor’s orders,” Kilmister said in a statement, “but be sure we will be back and kick everybody’s ass.”

After calling off three gigs last month, Motörhead have now nixed the rest of their summer festival dates, including concerts scheduled in Germany, France and Russia. “Things are going in the right direction with Lemmy, but the doctors in Berlin recommend that he rests for a few more weeks,” the band’s drummer, Mikkey Dee, told GT.se (via Anti Music). “We’re not cancelling because of some sniffles … This is something we’ve put a lot of thought into.”

In their statement, the metal band remained vague about Kilmister’s condition. “Earlier this spring Lemmy had some medical maintenance for the long-term good,” they wrote. “He has since been advised that he should immediately take some more time to rest.” Last month, Classic Rock magazine alleged that Kilmister had been implanted with a defibrillator due to ongoing cardiac issues. An Italian concert promoter later revealed that the 67-year-old was suffering from “a severe hematoma”.

“[Lemmy] is devastated beyond belief,” Dee admitted last week to Aftonbladet. “[Cancelling a tour] has a bigger effect on him than it would anyone else. It’s like chopping off a piano player’s hands … [But] I am worried because he’s not doing so well right now.”

In the band’s new statement, Motörhead appear to downplay Kilmister’s long-term health fears: “Stop worrying [and] redirect those cards, flowers and chocolates to a loved one (who will appreciate them far more),” they advise. “Keep calm and carry on! Lemmy and Motörhead certainly are! Thanks and see you in the fall for [our] new album.”

Aftershock, Motörhead’s 21st studio LP, is due in September.

Source: The Guardian