The head banging days of Tom Araya, frontman for Slayer, have finally caught up with not only him but his band as well. Due to the chronic back problems of Araya, the band is having to cancel their European and U.S. Carnage tour. The band recently had to postpone several tour dates in Canada because of the same problem. Araya is now headed for surgery, so the entire tour has had to be canceled.

Rick Sales, manager of Slayer said, Tom tried a number of different medical treatments and gave them a fair shot. However, none of them have handled his problem. He decided to bite the bullet and he has back surgery that is scheduled for the end of the month.

The recently canceled tour had been a follow up for “World Painted Blood,” their latest album. The tour had been set to start on January 18 in Seattle. Testament and Megadeth had been set for touring with Slayer. However, because of the cancellation of the tour they are working now to schedule the shows.

Sales said, although this is very unfortunate for many people, including the camps of Testament and Megadeth as well as the concert promoters and fans, the top priority had to be Tom’s health. This just needs to happen.

The problems for Araya started in October 2009 during Slayer’s tour of Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Araya was given the diagnosis of Cervical Radiculophathy. He had tried to treat his problem without resorting to surgery. However he hasn’t been able to get rid of the pain, so is headed into surgery later this month.

Tom, get well soon.

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