MOTORHEAD have been forced to cancel the rest of their European tour – including three dates in the UK, after mainman LEMMY was hospitalised in ITALY due to “extreme exhaustion”.
The UK shows were due to start at the London Forum on December 19, before calling at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall (20) and Manchester Apollo (21). It is hoped that the dates will be rescheduled for the New Year.
Prior to the cancellations, Motorhead had played 39 shows in 48 days across the world. A spokesperson for Lemmy said he had “suffered a severe bout of influenza prior to the present tour”, but “persevered to ensure the band’s fans weren’t let down”.
However, his condition got worse in mainland Europe and the band were forced to pull some dates in Germany. On arrival in Italy, Lemmy’s condition deteriorated further and he was admitted to hospital overnight.
Speaking from his hospital bed in Italy, Lemmy said: “Doctors have been telling me for years and years to slow down. How was I to know that this time they meant it? I carried on because I didn’t want to let the fans down in the countries we were due to play…it now looks like I should have taken time out weeks ago to fully recover.”
Doctors have advised him to have four weeks rest to ensure a full recovery.