November 16, 2009

By By Andre Paine, London

Slayer has postponed its U.K. and European tour until spring 2010.

The band announced the move with "immense disappointment" in a statement, blaming a back injury sustained by vocalist/bassist Tom Araya that has required specialist treatment.

"Right now, our main concern must be the full and permanent recovery of Tom, so we have decided to clear the calendar and give him the extra time he needs to concentrate solely on good health," said manager Rick Sales.

The tour was due to begin in the U.K. on Nov. 18 and conclude on Dec. 17 in Germany. It has now been rescheduled to kick off on March 7 in Manchester, England.

Last week, Slayer announced the postponement of its Canadian Carnage co-headline tour with Megadeth. Those dates will be rescheduled for early 2010.

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