Illness strikes Slayer’s Araya & Miranda Lambert

Slayer canceled its headline appearance at the Feb. 27 Sydney stop of the Soundwave Festival because singer/bassist Tom Araya needed to be hospitalized overnight.

The decision was made five minutes before the band was to take to the stage. Angry fans pelted the stage with bottles and cans.

According to the Herald Sun, Araya suffered “an acute ear infection.”

Photo: James Hendershot

Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Md.

A spokesperson for Slayer told Pollstar Araya is waiting to hear back from the doctor with test results but that “he’ll definitely make the next show.”

Araya released the following statement about his hospitalization and the subsequent show cancellation: “Sorry I couldn’t make the Sydney festival appearance. I am feeling much better and look forward to performing in Melbourne.”

Slayer is set to play Soundwave Festival in Melbourne on Friday, March 4.

Photo: AP Photo / NBC

NBC "Today" show, New York City

In the meantime, severe upper respiratory infection forced Miranda Lambert to pull out of her tour with Alan Jackson, to begin in Melbourne March 4.

Aussie singer Jasmine Rae was promoted to second spot and McAlister Kemp was added to Jackson’s five arena dates. Aussie multi-platinum act John Williamson takes Lambert’s slot at the CMC Rocks the Hunter festival March 5 and 6.

Click here for the Herald Sun story.

Click here for Slayer’s official website.

Click here for Miranda Lambert’s website.