October 24, 2003 12:15

METALLICA CANCEL SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR Metallica Tickets

The metal giants cite physical injury and mental exhaustion...

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METALLICA have cancelled their South American tour, which was due to start on October 25 in BUENOS AIRES, citing physical injury and mental exhaustion.

The metal giants have called off all of the shows, and as of yet, no dates have been rescheduled.

Drummer Lars Ulrich is currently undergoing treatment for a recurring rotator cuff injury which dates back to their 1991-93 'Black Album' tour. He has been advised to continue to rest his shoulder in order to prevent any further aggravation to the injury.

Ulrich said: "Nothing, and I mean NOTHING disappoints us more than not being able to follow through on our commitments... In order for us to play 'the Metallica way', we have to be at our absolute best. If not, we are not giving our fans what they expect from us... and what we demand from ourselves."

Singer James Hetfield said: "Between reconnecting recording, and touring 'St Anger', we've been going no-stop for the last eighteen months, and, simply put, we are fried... both in body and in mind."

"This is the first time in our 22-year history that Metallica have cancelled a tour, and we are beyond disappointed," guitarist Kirk Hammett added.

Metallica will begin their 'Madly In Anger With You World Tour' at the Tokyo Yoyogi Taiikukan on November 6 and are still set to play London's Earls Court dates on December 19 and 20.

The cancelled South American dates are:
Buenos Aires River Plate Stadium (October 25)
Santiago Pista Atletica (28)
Rio de Janeiro ATL Hall (30)
Sao Paulo Pacaeumbu (November 1)