Late last week Pollstar.com reported that Reale was in critical condition in a San Antonio hospital because of complications from Crohn’s disease. The guitarist has suffered from the inflammatory bowel disease, which often causes severe abdominal pains, for most of his life.

Since then the heavy metal band has released a statement saying Reale is still hospitalized “and will not be healthy enough to appear as scheduled” at this week’s shows.

“We are receiving updates on his condition several times daily, and Mark is currently undergoing procedures to stabilize him. His father, in addition to several dedicated friends of the band and the family, are at Mark’s side constantly as doctors work to restore him to health. In accordance with the family’s wishes, no further details are being released at this time.

“While we are saddened by these developments, Riot’s music has been Mark’s lifeblood for over 30 years. We have struggled with idea of performing without him, and we are continuing to prepare with heavy hearts, but the entire Riot organization has agreed on the importance of bringing our music to the fans who have supported us for so long.”

On Wednesday Riot plays the B.B. King Blues Club in New York City, followed by a Thursday show in West Springfield, Va., at Jaxx, and Friday’s gig in Rochester, N.Y., at The Montage Music Hall.

Click here for Riot’s website.