As Ice Nine Kills have kicked off their UK and European tour with Metallica, which will be followed up by the group’s own headline Wurst Vacation Tour, the scream team’s guitarist Dan Sugarman has made the difficult decision to step away from the band for the moment.
In a statement Sugarman shared on his social media, he explains, “I don’t really know how to do this, I don’t really know how to say this. All I know is that I wouldn’t be living my dream day in and day out if it wasn’t for you. And believe me when I say I’m not blind to that fact.”
Read more: Bamboozle Is Cancelled One Week Out From Its Return
He continues, “Not too long ago amidst the finalizing with the INK team my return to the touring situation so I could finally step back on stage with my boys and play these songs that we poured our hearts into… We found a lump on my neck. Fast-forward through a bunch of biopsies, MRIs, a bunch of sleepless nights—I got the call that nobody ever wants to hear. I have a team of incredible doctors that I trust in. We have a plan and I am ready to continue my healing surrounded by friends, family, loved ones, and the amazing support of people like you. That said, it’s becoming apparent that I need to sit home and sit out—at least on the very beginning—of a tour of a lifetime, literally the tour of my dreams. All in order to focus on my health and my healing.
“But the show must go on,” Sugarman adds. You can watch his full video below.
The band also shared a statement on their band page, which states, “We’re excited to see all of you European psychos as we embark on Metallica’s M72 World Tour as well as our own Wurst Vacation headliner, all of which kicks off this weekend in Amsterdam.”
Read more: Fall Out Boy Perform Electrifying 11-Track Set At 2023 NFL Draft
“But unfortunately, we do so with a heavy heart,” they continue. “Over the last several months we had been working towards bringing our brother and lead guitarist, Dan Sugarman, back on stage with us for the first time since post-COVID. As he announced today, however, Dan is unable to join us due to his recent medical diagnosis. While supporting our boy is always top of mind, Dan and the band have been working together to train two of the top guitar players in heavy music to fill his insanely big shoes – Miles Dimitri Baker and Doc Coyle.”
“These two new friends of ours will join Ricky for a triple guitar onslaught the likes of which you’ve never seen. In addition, Doc will carry Dan’s Spirit on stage with us by using his signature guitar model, The Murder Axe. Please welcome Miles and Doc to the INK family and send Dan all the love and support he needs right now.”
While Sugarman will be sorely missed alongside Ice Nine Kills, we’re wishing him a speedy recovery as he focuses on his health. You can check out all of Ice Nine Kills’ upcoming tour dates here.
