The last few weeks haven't been the best of times for Mastodon. Guitarist Bill Kelliher was once again hospitalized for pancreatitis and then reports were coming in that fellow guitarist, Brent Hinds seemed distant at shows and continaully stormed off stage. So, I actually welcomed the news of Mastodon taking a break when reading about it on MetalInsider. They need a break! The official reasoning is Bill's doctors highly suggest he get treated right away. Here is the statement from the band's label:
Mastodon regret to inform their fans that their upcoming Summer tour of Europe originally set to begin June 5, in Germany and ending July 3, in Finland has been cancelled. Guitarist Bill Kelliher who has been diagnosed with Pancreatitis has been advised by doctors to continue further medical treatment. Bill’s medical team are optimistic and expect a full recovery in the weeks ahead as the band looks forward to being part of BlackDiamondSkye also featuring Alice In Chains, Deftones, slated to begin Sep. 16, in Chicago.
Perhaps it's for the best. The band can spend the summer recharging their batteries in time for what one of their biggest tours to date, with Alice in Chains and Deftones. It is certainly a really important one for the band, as the audiences the other two acts attract seem to be one that may not be super familiar with the Atlanta quartet. Hopefully, they get their shit together by then.
