The organizers of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival have released a statement sent to them by the representatives of Halford following the latter's withdrawal from the event.

The organizers of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival have released a statement sent to them by the representatives of Halford following the latter's withdrawal from the event. It reads as follows:

"Unfortunately, it will be impossible for Halford to appear at this year's Wacken Open Air festival due to highly important commitments in the US the artist has to fulfill at the same time. The management has tried to move these engagements to a later period but because of the artist's extended working schedule, no alternative dates could be found. However, the artist has expressed his wish to play Wacken next year and he's already looking forward to see all his fans in 2003."

Source: Blabbermouth