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Dave Mustaine Ailing, Nixes Motörhead’s Motörboat
Megadeth has nixed Motörhead’s Motörboat cruise from its schedule so frontman Dave Mustaine can recover from complications from a previous cervical spine surgery. A few of his bandmates are still setting sail and will appear as part of an all-star band dubbed Metal Allegiance.
Mustaine underwent surgery for a neck and spine condition known as stenosis in September 2011, according to Blabbermouth.com.
“It’s years of head-banging,” Mustaine told Rolling Stone in a 2011 interview conducted shortly before the surgery. “Just doing this over the year. I have what’s called stenosis, three herniated discs and bone spurs everywhere. It’s just a lot of wear and tear over my body over the years touring.”
Megadeth issued the following statement Wednesday about Mustaine’s condition and the cruise cancellation.
“Due to complications arising from a previous cervical spine surgery, and upon his doctor’s strict recommendations, Dave Mustaine has cancelled all performances for the next 8 weeks. With rest and treatment, he is expected to recover and resume performing soon. The band was looking forward to the concerts and cruise, and is disappointed that they will not be able to see their fans. Megadeth expects to return to the road and will see their fans soon!”
So, that’s the bad news. The good news is that the Motörhead’s Motörboat cruise announced that the all-star Metal Allegiance has joined the lineup for the cruise that’s headed to Key West and Cozumel. The Carnival Ecstasy departs Miami for the inaugural journey scheduled Sept. 22-26.
The Metal Allegiance features Megadeth’s David Ellefson and Chris Broderick, along with Philip Anselmo, Joey Belladonna, Chuck Billy, Jon Donais, Scott Ian, Mark Zavon, Frank Bello, Rex Brown, Charlie Benante and Mike Portnoy.
“You can’t replace a band like Megadeth, who have done so much to change the landscape of heavy music over the past 30 years,” event producer Alan Koenig of ASK4 Entertainment said. “We wish Dave Mustaine all the best in his recovery. But we’re excited that Megadeth’s David Ellefson and Chris Broderick will still be joining us. The whole reason to do these music cruises is to give fans an experience that they can’t get anywhere else – and bringing Metal Allegiance onboard with metal’s most loyal fans fits that bill.”
The previously announced Motörboat lineup includes Anthrax, Testament, Down, High On Fire, Kill Devil Hill, Zakk Wylde, Jim Breuer Band, Danko Jones, Fireball Ministry, Wilson and Cliver. Of course Motörhead will be on board to rock your face off. In addition to playing with the Allegiance, Ian will also give a spoken word performance.
For more information visit MotorheadCruise.com.