Slayer Member Hospitalized

Although Hanneman's doctors were not able to definitively identify the infection's origin, they diagnosed necrotizing fasciitis, and indicated it likely was rooted in a spider bite. The guitarist is now recuperating at home, has already begun the process of subsequent medical procedures including skin grafts, and is expected to make a full recovery.

In light of this situation and Slayer's upcoming participation in the Australian Soundwave Festival tour that is set to kick off on February 26, the band has decided to play the dates without Hanneman and will bring on a guest guitarist to fill in for him until such time as he has fully recuperated and is ready to return to the lineup. The band intends to announce details about the guest guitarist shortly.

"Jeff is our brother, we've all been friends and together as a band for almost 30 years," Araya said in a statement, "so we just want him to recover as soon as possible."