Jason Newsted's new band Newsted have been forced to pull out of several of the upcoming stops on the Gigantour after the former Metallica bassist came down with walking pneumonia. Newsted broke the news to fans over the weekend that his band will not be able to perform at any of the Gigantour stops from July 22nd through July 27th after a doctor advised him to take the time off to recover from the illness.
He told fans via his official website, "Hey friends...I'd been feeling a bit under the weather while performing the most recent Gigantour shows so I went to the Dr. on my day off today & I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia!!!
"So under doctor's orders, I'm taking a week to rebuild...my apologies to our Canadian brothers & sisters in regions where we will not be appearing this week. I'm gonna work on keeping me alive so together we can keep the metal alive!!!! Cheers to all!! Jason
The Gigantour is spearheaded by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine and this year features Newsted, Device, Hellyeah, Black Label Society and Death Division.
Mustaine also addressed the illness of his fellow former Metallica member Newsted and hinted that fans may see Jason and him perform a special Metallica jam once Newsted returns to the tour.
On Sunday, Mustaine posted the following message on his Twitter account, "Jason we heard you're ill. So bummed, & I'm sure the fans are too. Get well soon. #MetalMilitia when you return? @JasonCNewsted."
