High on Fire were set to hit the road next week for the Revolver-sponsored Electric Messiah Tour along with Toke and Year of the Cobra, but unfortunately the trek has been cancelled due to a medical emergency involving singer-guitarist Matt Pike. After the partial amputation of one of his toes in November 2018, the frontman has issued a statement revealing his struggles with diabetes and ongoing efforts to save the rest of his foot.
"To my brothers, my crew, and anyone else this affects. I do apologize for the inconvenience of this cancelation," Pike says. "I feel as though I'm explaining lightning striking twice. I wanted nothing more in the world to play these songs live, nor ever cancel something I say I'm gonna do. I am a warrior for our art, and have endured some painful things to what we do. The timing and repeating nature of this is my nightmare and almost impossible. Nevertheless, to save yet another toe, my big one, I have been grounded by circumstances out of my control. I will have more of a medical report to come but right now I'm at great risk of losing it, and/or a bigger portion of my foot due to Diabetes."
High on Fire were forced to cancel a tour scheduled for last fall with Municipal Waste, as well, and Pike's frustration and remorse for the current situation shines through in his uncharacteristically candid words. "It just shows how this disease can affect our lives," continues the guitarist, also of doom titans Sleep. "Please forgive me, and if you know anything about me, you know this is not like me. We will be back!"
In addition to this tour, Pike is scheduled to perform two sets with Sleep at Netherlands festival Roadburn in just over three months — now word yet on how his medical issues might affect those shows. Fans who have already purchased tickets to the Electric Messiah Tour can receive a refund at their point of purchase.
