High on Fire Cancel Tour Dates as Frontman Matt Pike Checks into Rehab

BY Alex HudsonPublished Jun 8, 2012

Just a couple of days ago, High on Fire announced plans to reissue their 2000 album The Art of Self Defense, and the Oakland metal survivors have a busy schedule of shows in the coming weeks. Sadly, those tour dates will have to wait, since frontman Matt Pike has checked in to rehab for alcohol abuse.

The Quietus reports that Pike looked ill during a set last month with his reunited former band Sleep, who subsequently missed their scheduled appearance at Primavera Sound Festival in Spain. Now, High on Fire have similarly cancelled their gigs with the touring Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival.

The band said in a statement, "High on Fire would like to thank everyone involved with the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival for the opportunity to be a part of this year's tour. We regretfully will have to bow out as our friend and bandmate begins his recovery, but very much appreciate having been asked to be a part of this summer's festival run."

These dates were to be in support of the recently released De Vermis Mysteriis. See High on Fire's now cancelled tour schedule at their official website.

While not part of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, as previously reported, High on Fire were to play the Heavy TO and Heavy MTL festivals. Even though it's not immediate clear, it can be assumed that these Canadian dates are cancelled as well.

UPDATE: According to Heavy TO and MTL organizers, High on Fire will still play the festivals.

According to The Quietus, this news comes a year after Pike developed an addiction to painkillers following a foot injury.

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