The exact nature of Kilmister's health concerns has been a bit of a mystery, with the band publicly attributing them to the "altitude" he experienced when Motörhead performed in Utah last week. The saga started last Friday night at a show in Salt Lake City where, according to Rolling Stone, Kilmister stopped during only the third song of the night. "Listen, I'm really sorry, guys," he told the crowd. "I've got a bad back, my back's really bad and I can't breathe up here. I'm really, really sorry.”
Motörhead's appearance the following night at Denver's Riot Fest was subsequently canceled, and more trouble was to come this week when the band arrived in Texas: On Tuesday Kilmister once again stopped a show only three songs in at Moody Theater in Austin, this time, according to ultimateclassicrock.com, rather depressingly announcing, "I can't do it." Last night's show in San Antonio was then canceled, leaving the fate of Friday's show in Dallas and Saturday's in Houston up in the air — until now.
The Bomb Factory announced the news via a press release, attributing the cancelation — somewhat incorrectly, perhaps — to "unforeseen circumstances." "This sucks to announce but we wanna wish Lemmy a speedy recovery!" the release added. All ticket holders will be refunded for their purchases, although the show — after a fashion — will still go on, with openers Saxon holding a stand-alone show at Trees that will cost $20 to attend.
The news makes for some particularly lousy luck for The Bomb Factory, who have now had their second major concert canceled in a week. Last Thursday, Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def abruptly canceled his show (which had already been rescheduled from July) that was supposed to take place last Saturday — then promptly headed to London for a last-minute comedy gig. While that situation left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, here's hoping that Kilmister has a speedy recovery.
Here's the full statement from The Bomb Factory:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Motörhead concert at The Bomb Factory this Friday, September 4, 2015 has been cancelled. Refunds will be available at the original point of sale. All online orders will be refunded to the card they were purchased on.
However, Saxon will perform at Trees in Dallas (2709 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226) this Friday!!! Tickets will be just $20. For more information and tickets to Saxon, go http://www.treesdallas.com.
Tickets will be available at the venue box office for this performance as well!. Show your Motorhead stub or confirmation email and get 10% off the admission!!!