July 19, 2001 12:20

DEFTONES TROUBLES STICK IN THE THROAT

Chico Moreno's condition is being evaluated on a daily basis...

DEFTONES have been forced to pull another two dates due to singer CHINO MORENO's ongoing vocal problems, and will now begin their co-headline tour with GODSMACK in PHOENIX on Saturday (July 21).

The band's spokesperson confirmed that the shows at Irvine, California last night (July 18) and San Diego Sports Arena on Friday (July 20) have been cancelled, meaning that they have had to ditch a total of four dates, including their hometown show in Sacramento last weekend.

Godsmack have, however, continued with the opening leg of the extensive North American tour.

Moreno has seen a specialist in Beverley Hills, who said that he has "a huge inflammation on his right vocal chord and partial paresis on his left vocal chord." The doctor has prescribed "the appropriate antibiotic and medication," and has placed Moreno under "strict vocal arrest" with a daily re-evaluation of his condition.

The band's drummer Abe Cunningham said that Godsmack, Puddle Of Mud, From Zero and CKY will go ahead and play the Irvine and San Diego shows as planned.