Heavy metal legends Motörhead will be setting off on their Motörboat music cruise on Sept. 22, but today, one of the cruise's headlining acts announced that they have dropped out. Billboard reports that thrash legends Megadeth have been forced to cancel their appearance on the Motorböat cruise due to frontman Dave Mustaine's recent back surgery, which will require him to rest for the next eight weeks.
"Due to complications arising from a previous cervical spine surgery, and upon his doctor's strict recommendations, Dave Mustaine has cancelled all performances for the next 8 weeks," the band confirmed in a statement, via Billboard. "With rest and treatment, he is expected to recover and resume performing soon. The band was looking forward to the concerts and cruise, and is disappointed that they will not be able to see their fans. Megadeth expects to return to the road and will see their fans soon!"
This isn't the first time that Mustaine has put Megadeth on hold for medical reasons. Back in 2002, he briefly disbanded the group after suffering intense nerve damage in his arm, rendering him unable to play guitar.
Though Mustaine will be absent, Megadeth's Dave Ellefson and Chris Broderick will still be on the cruise, and will be performing as part of the "heavy metal all-star band" Metal Allegiance alongside members of Pantera, Anthrax, Testament, and Dream Theater. The cruise's other acts include Down, Zakk Wylde, High On Fire, Jim Breuer Band, Kill Devil Hill, Danko Jones, Wilson, Fireball Ministry, and Cilver.
The Motörboat cruise sets out from Miami on Sept. 22 and will head to Key West and the Yucatan Peninsula before returning on Sept. 26.
