Down Frontman Phil Anselmo Intends To Cancel 2016 European Festival Shows

The organisers of Hellfest in France have announced that Down, the band led by former Pantera frontman, Phil Anselmo, have pulled out of this year's edition of the festival and that Puscifer will take their place. They also claim that the band has scrapped plans to tour Europe altogether, following the well publicised drunken remarks from Anselmo at Dimebash this year. A letter sent to the organisers from the vocalist, which was published by the festival's admins earlier, reads as follows:

"My awful mistake has taken a toll on my reputation, and justly so. However, I must point out, you damned-well know me better than this drunken incident could ever describe. Hellfest is my heart.

"And my embarrassment is tremendous, because I only have love for people all over this skirmishing earth. So my brother, it fucking rips my heart into further pieces to let you know, I don't think I should do any Euro festivals this year.

"So please I beg you, give me this time to get my brain clear, and to come back (if you will have me back) next year my brother, I implore you."