Tom Araya To Undergo Back Surgery

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Slayer Frontman Tom Araya To Undergo Back Surgery, American Carnage Tour To Be Rescheduled

posted Jan 7, 2010 at 5:11 PM by deathbringer. (64 Comments)

Band Photo: Slayer (?)

"Tom gave various medical treatments more than a fair shot," said Slayer's manager Rick Sales, "but they just haven't handled the problem, so he's biting the bullet and is scheduled for back surgery at the end of this month."

This difficult decision made by the band's bassist/vocalist Tom Araya means the cancellation of Slayer's immediate tour plans that include the American and Canadian Carnage Tour dates that were set to kick off on January 18, as well as the band's UK/European headline tour scheduled for March and April. Booking agents for both Slayer and Megadeth are already hard at work rescheduling the tour dates; tickets already purchased for these shows will be honored at the rescheduled dates.

Araya began experiencing back problems while on the band's Australian/New Zealand/Japanese tour last October. In spite of his rapidly increasing pain and discomfort, he carried on with the tour, but immediately upon returning home saw an orthopedic specialist who diagnosed a Cervical Radiculopathy. Araya initially did not want to take the major surgery route, so the specialist recommended a series of minimally-invasive procedures. While those procedures have resulted in some improvement, Araya continues to deal with intermittent bouts of severe pain, numbness and muscle spasms. The surgical procedure that Araya will undergo, called an Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion, is a relatively routine practice and the recovery rate is excellent.

Sales added, "As unfortunate as this is for so many people - the Megadeth and Testament camps, the concerts' promoters, and, of course, the fans - Tom's health is the number one priority, and this has to happen."

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64 Comments on "Tom Araya To Undergo Back Surgery"

Member

1. Hollow writes:

He'll get through it.

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 5:14 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

2. Blindgreed1 writes:

Damn glad I didn't purchase those tickets yet.

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 5:19 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

3. MeTaLmAdIc writes:

damn his going to have a bad trip.

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 5:24 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

4. KickAssDuke writes:

^^ Just saying the same thing BG. Glad I waited.

NP - Ministry - Psalm 69

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 5:25 PM ET | IP Logged

5. RTB writes:

Tom s a real cool guy, props to him for gutting it out as long as he did, but when you get old, your sh!t starts breaking down, you gotta take care of yourself alot more.....wish him a speedy recovery

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 5:25 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

6. pinto_beans writes:

Noooo! :( I had just gotten my tickets a few weeks ago and was looking forward to it......my first Slayer experience. Sucks, but health DOES come first so hope Tom recovers completely from these problems.

Also from what this statement says, "tickets already purchased for these shows will be honored at the rescheduled dates," does this mean that our purchased tickets WILL count towards the later date without having to refund and all that?

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 6:11 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

7. xDecapitation writes:

This is getting kind of ridiculous. Props to Tom for grinding through Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, but I personally think that it was a very ignorant decision to continue after continued spasms, and major pain. Not only should he have cancelled the shows being probably at the very least least 46 or 47 (I wouldn't be surprised if he's 50), but if "Tom's health is the number one priority," then why did he not stop get it checked out one off day? Not to mention the fact that Slayer has already rescheduled Canadian Carnage (which I still have my ticket for goddamnit lol). If he just admitted to the problem being a big one, he could have had the surgery, and simply moved it the one time. It is annoying to fans even as loyal as myself, and very confusing. Not to mention that that the tours they're rescheduling multiple times is with MegaDave, who's easily p***ed off lol.

Whatever he'll pull through and make it extra special whatever the new date is.

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 6:13 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

8. deadstorm writes:

ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?! Is says on the Megadeth website that the tour will be pushed back to SUMMER 2010?!?!!! Why yhe hell didnt Tom go for back surgery in the first place back in September or whatever?!?

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 6:28 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

9. AGENT47 writes:

now i may be able to go to this show after all. nice! this is good news. get well tom and come kick the sh** out of arizona!

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 7:23 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

10. Hammerheart writes:

Hope he pulls through alright from this! Damn, that's got to be painful..

pinto_beans: Your new avatar cracks me the f*** up! lmao.. And yes, that's what it means (you don't need to refund them and repurchase later).

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 7:38 PM ET | IP Logged

11. Tokudai writes:

I just started the 2 week countdown to the Portland Show yesterday too.. Hope Tom recovers quickly and see you at the new date!!

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 7:59 PM ET | IP Logged

Founder, owner & programmer

12. deathbringer writes:

Well damn, I'd rather it become a full scale summer tour than another co-headline with Manson! Throw a couple other big bands on there and they can compete.

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 8:49 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

13. DemonMyhre writes:

Ha, of course. I get home after buying my ticket and see this. Brilliant. Ah well, best of luck to Tom.

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 9:33 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

14. Blyhetara writes:

Well that sucks donkey balls. I was looking forward to a majorly kickass weekend next week. Back problems can really mess you up, and it's obvious it's from his insane headbanging for 27 or so years. I'm not sure how soon he can get back on the stage again though, he's getting a pretty serious surgery. Hopefully it's surgery is successful, and he recovers speedily so he may rock eternally \m/

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 10:23 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

15. Blyhetara writes:

his surgery*

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 10:26 PM ET | IP Logged

Supporter

16. BoltThrower writes:

Yeah, well hope his back problem doesn't suffer him the same fate as Anselmo's back problem...huh, yeah, I think you know...

Don't want to see King go out that way, huh?!, yeah, don't ever want to see that...

Anyway, Tom, pull up a couch, play some mosh, fingers still working well...Just play us something...

Do I sound like Dexter, hmmm?

# Jan 7, 2010 @ 10:57 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

17. Necrovomit writes:

f***, second concert ever and it gets rescheduled too! lol. and pinto dont worry. i bought slipknot tickets (dont judge me) a while back and when they cancelled and rescheduled ticketmaster sent me tickets for the new show. so just wait for them to announce the dates and they should send u the new ones. that was my experience anyways.

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 12:04 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

18. pinto_beans writes:

HH: Thanks lol, that was also my ideal response once I saw Slayer adding a date to my city. Hope it'll still be there!

Necro: Hmmm, there might be a problem with me though. I bought my ticket at my local F.Y.E. and just a few weeks ago they announced that their closing down.

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 1:03 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

19. MetalBro4Life writes:

HA! I knew this would happen! Good thing I didn't get my tickets for this. I guarantee it'll happen at Sonisphere and the Big Four show there will be either canned or Slayer will back out. Face it, people, we are witnessing the end of Slayer!

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 6:00 AM ET | IP Logged

20. RTB writes:

Tom has stated at the end of last year that he s about to hang it up because he wants to spend more time with his familiy, so that aint breaking news....this is year or next will about do it.....they had a great run regardless

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 10:58 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

21. BrunoHockalugie writes:

This works out for me financially since I haven't bought my ticket for the LA show and would have had to sell my body in immigrant neighborhoods to come up with the dough.

Hope the operation goes well Tom has a speedy recovery!

If it is in the Summer it will be around the same time as MayhemFest. Speaking of that, I heard the MayhemFest rumored lineup is Lamb of God, Rob Zombie, Korn and Hatebreed on the main stage.Can anyone confirm if this is true?

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 12:38 PM ET | IP Logged

22. bland greed sux dix writes:

yup & he proll never even seen slayer

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 12:40 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

23. Deathblooms writes:

Well thanks for getting my hopes up for a tour that won't be happening for a while. Also glad I didn't purchase tickets yet. There really was no need to even make all the dates and plans knowing what the situation was.

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 12:45 PM ET | IP Logged

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24. BrunoHockalugie writes:

^^^
What the f***?

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 12:46 PM ET | IP Logged

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25. BrunoHockalugie writes:

My WTF was for post 22? Looks like a proll, I mean troll

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 1:09 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

26. pinto_beans writes:

I thought school was back in session right now for kids like #22.

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 1:15 PM ET | IP Logged

27. hello writes:

hello yes and now is the welcome to MORE METAL NOW show with me Metal David as the hosting yes Slayer Dokken System of the Down Saxon kOrN Deaf Leppad Limp Biksit Metalica Blessed by a Broken heart Jimi Hendrix Nickelback Alien Ant Farm Iron Maiden Motiey Crew Cannibal Cropse Machine Head yes

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 1:51 PM ET | IP Logged

28. Gormagon writes:

Shoulda woulda coulda, who cares? Let's just hope Tom recovers 100%. I have tickets for the Jan.29th show and I'm happy to wait if it means I get to see Slayer at 100%. I've seen a ton of great shows but none as good as Slayer.

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 3:25 PM ET | IP Logged

29. travlow1 writes:

Fu ck in pu ssy man up and wait til after the tour. What a punk the only good thing is he'll get some decent painkillers. Go OXYS. yeah haw giddee up

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 7:31 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

30. Blyhetara writes:

Bruno, the rumored bands so far are Korn, Rob Zombie, Lamb of God, Five Finger Death Punch, Hatebreed, Chimaira, and Winds of Plague. Zombie would be cool, and Lamb of God would be orgasmic in my opinion. Everything else is just pure bleh to me though. According to Mayhem Fest's website, bands and dates will be announced on the 20th of this month. My birthday!

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 8:15 PM ET | IP Logged

31. HOBBLE writes:

SLAYER RULES AND TOM WILL BE ALL THE MORE AWESOME GOOD LUCK MY FRIEND AND SPEEDY RECOVERY SEE YOU SOON

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 9:23 PM ET | IP Logged

32. Luis writes:

Hope you get well soon Tom.

I purchased tickets just yesterday, and now this? They should either cancel the tour and refund the fans' money, or get another band of similar caliber to play in Slayer's place, or get another singer and bassist to play. Any of those three options is better than waiting till summer, because we don't even know if Tom will be better by then. He might need more surgery.

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 10:28 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

33. Necrovomit writes:

sorry pinto, dont know what to tell ya other then hope ur ticket is still good....

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 10:53 PM ET | IP Logged

34. Fuckin Slayer writes:

Are all three bands going to reschedule or just Slayer

# Jan 8, 2010 @ 11:06 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

35. xDecapitation writes:

Uhh, wtf is 27 saying? lmao

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 12:12 AM ET | IP Logged

36. RTB writes:

^Decap LOL, i think it was a cheap attempt at a self proclaimed that metal show spoof....
That mayhem fest rumor to me is sick....i dig all those bands except 5fdp....hope it happends, especially rob zombie.....last years show was great, itll be tuff to out do that one

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 12:35 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

37. Blyhetara writes:

Slayer did kick some maximum a$$ last year. I'd really like to see them do it again this year on American Carnage. I really hope Tom gets better.

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 1:18 AM ET | IP Logged

38. CrypticDeth666 writes:

Man...we got our tickets the day they went on sale. Was so looking forward to this show. Hopefully he will get better and continue to rock people faces off for many years to come. =/

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 2:17 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

39. bananaterracottapie1 writes:

Can't help but imagine Tom screaming the intro to Angel of Death throughout the surgery.

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 11:15 AM ET | IP Logged

40. greyback writes:

That's good hope he's all right and world painted blood was sweet.

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 12:37 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

41. BrunoHockalugie writes:

Blyhetera- Hell yeah, thanks man. Not a bad list so far, I would be going for LOG, Zombie, & Hatebreed. In your profile it says you are from CA. You going to the Glen Helen show?

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 1:15 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

42. rideon65 writes:

Get well Tom. Will be there when the tour resumes. Proudly carrying the metal tradion for 30 years. Dont forget to reschedule Phoenix!!!! Metal rules!!!

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 1:20 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

43. decapitator94 writes:

i was actually feeling bad that i wouldn't have been able to make it to the concert, but i guess it isnt going to happen, anyway get well soon tom

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 2:04 PM ET | IP Logged

44. Mandatory Suicide writes:

sh**, I hope all goes well. Good luck Tom!

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 4:17 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

45. Blyhetara writes:

Bruno, Glen Helen again? I thought dates weren't announced yet. But I went to the San Francisco show at Shoreline last year, I just happened to be in the Bay Area at the time and bought tickets two days before I left.

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 4:31 PM ET | IP Logged

46. Luis writes:

I contacted ticket master about a refund, and they said I just have to send my tickets back to get my refund. So if you purchased your tickets online they should have sent you an email with a link. Just fill in the all the spaces in the link.

Notice how they said you are "encourage" to hold on to your tickets. IOW you don't have to hold on to them. Megadeth is supposed to headline a solo spring tour. I rather have my money back to buy tickets for that.

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 4:47 PM ET | IP Logged

47. hellrat writes:

Tyrano-Tom will be just fine...very routine knifework being done...that said, best wishes to him and his for rapid healing.

Maybe mustaine will jib out, and be excluded from the rescheduled line-up...that would be great

My suggestion would be to hire the newly reformed Crown as special guest, with Testament/Slayer headlining...yes, that would be great (3 of the most evil metal drummers under one roof!)...and have Bostaph and Bombardo switch bands for an appropriate part of each set....yes, that would be f***in great

keepin my tic in a cool, dry place :)

summer is much more befitting of such a tour anyway

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 6:14 PM ET | IP Logged

48. duncan hills writes:

hope he's fine... i had tickets to see them in november, then it was bumped to march... i STILL really wanna see them

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 7:07 PM ET | IP Logged

49. SLAYER FAN writes:

I agree hellrat , but the surgery he is having is not routine . I had the same surgery at 28 yrs old and it took 6 months to recover , and I still have back pain to this day. I hope Tom being older can handle that type of surgery , he will have titanium rods put along his spine with screws to his vertibrae to hold them in place. I have tickets for the show also and will wait as long as it takes for that man to get better. Thats probably why the Megedeth website is stating mid summer .

# Jan 9, 2010 @ 10:24 PM ET | IP Logged

50. hellrat writes:

I'm very sorry about your injury and resulting surgery, and the length of your bout with pain Slayer Fan...didn't mean for my comment to imply that such an operation is light or mundane...not at all! surgery of most any sort is very serious, and a fusion is of high order

But I like to believe in people's success in overcoming these unfortunate circumstances...so my whole hearted good wishes to you and araya both to heal quickly and be free of pain and discomfort...I've dealt with my share, certainly, and it ain't no fun ;)

Cheers to good health for all!... except for f***ing terrorists and gangsters...let the sleaze f***in suffer and kill themselves off

# Jan 10, 2010 @ 1:02 AM ET | IP Logged

51. ssdd_69 writes:

I saw Slayer 3 times in the 80's & twice in the 90's.
Too bad I wont get to see this year, better luck next year.
F******G SLAYER! \m/

# Jan 10, 2010 @ 1:43 AM ET | IP Logged

Supporter

52. Crushem writes:

Damn, was looking forward to seeing them in February...get well Tom. I understand back problems and avoiding surgery for it. I was told 5 years ago I needed back surgery, and I still haven't gone for it. I'd rather live with the pain. Looking forward to seeing them when he recovers tho.

# Jan 10, 2010 @ 9:38 AM ET | IP Logged

53. METAL213 writes:

Glad I didn't buy a ticket yet. Still, I hope Tom gets well soon. After all, he's no stranger to surgery and pain. STAY METAL MY FRIENDS!
Now Playing: "Gaia (The Vultures)" by God Forbid

# Jan 11, 2010 @ 1:55 AM ET | IP Logged

54. Nuke1134 writes:

Tom wish you luck cant wait until you get better i was goin to see slayer feb14 hope everything goes well

# Jan 11, 2010 @ 11:47 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

55. Rubyred writes:

Wishing Mr. Tom ARAYA a successful/breakthrough surgery and a healthy/speedy back recovery & get plenty of healing rest! Godbless.

# Jan 11, 2010 @ 8:23 PM ET | IP Logged

Supporter

56. charest writes:

kinda sucks i had tix for next month, but hope for a full recovery to Araya...these guys have been doing this for about 30 years now, much respect!!

# Jan 11, 2010 @ 10:55 PM ET | IP Logged

Podcaster/Writer

57. n0thinghead writes:

it's a sign. he's too old. they should just stop making music.

# Jan 12, 2010 @ 5:59 PM ET | IP Logged

58. CHelsea Rose McNaughton writes:

Just saying this is Depressing Im sorry Rick my main man.
and im sad cause i planned to go to this concert with one of my really good friends Michael Bultman...He is leaving to the Navy In june.. I wanted to do somthing special for him.Before he leaves cause out in that. big world I am concerned of his life.....and really want him To have a good time before he goes..he has naver been to a concert before...this would have been his first time and possbaly his last....recoversoon get well i really hope Slaer can play along with megadeth....peace love and hugs your Metalheads Chelsea Rose McN and Michael Bultman.

# Jan 13, 2010 @ 9:09 PM ET | IP Logged

59. brujo writes:

come on people been in tour it's not easy
specially when you are ine the big metal bands in world
I say tom need take care him self first,
and noy see him in the wheel chair .. hope evrything go well for him,,, el brujo

# Jan 13, 2010 @ 9:14 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

60. GodHEADBANGS writes:

Personally, I can't stand Slayer but he's a musician never-the-less, hope it works out for em

# Jan 16, 2010 @ 10:16 PM ET | IP Logged

61. Andres Ramos writes:

Heyy!!!, Just join ANTHRAX in the tour!!!, and i will get my best concert experience in my life!!!!!!!!, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

# Jan 18, 2010 @ 9:04 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

62. Blackheart*915 writes:

hopefully he doesnt take that long to recover...

# Jan 19, 2010 @ 2:41 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

63. vim writes:

good idea, get that weak Catholicism so called backbone removed

# Jan 22, 2010 @ 4:37 AM ET | IP Logged

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64. toxicclown writes:

wish ya luck

# Jan 25, 2010 @ 1:47 PM ET | IP Logged

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Slayer Frontman Tom Araya To Undergo Back Surgery, American Carnage Tour To Be Rescheduled

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