The following has been posted by Ole Bang on the official website of the band:

"Most regretfully we have to announce that King will not be able to tour North America as planned. King has over the past 6 month been suffering from a herniated disc in the spine, and has still not recovered to a satisfactory level. He was prescribed absolute rest for several months, and this appear to be more than half a year.

Following several visits to specialists and most recent MRI-scan; we have to realize that his condition need far more rest than expected in the first place. At the moment he can neither walk for more than an hour at a time, nor can he sit like you would do in a normal daily life; ie. there is no chance that he will fully recover in time for the tour start in March.

We deeply regret the inconvenience caused for everyone involved, for promoters, bands and fans; and most of all we're very very sorry that we can not go out and perform for the fans; who have been waiting for the tour to kick off.

Unfortunately life is unpredictable, and it's completely out of our hands when illness kick in, and no medicine, how harsh it might have been, can cure the situation. If anything could remedy the situation it would have been done, but for now we simply just have to wait, and let King get the much needed rest.

I will post news about any developments as soon as it's available. At this time we will also like to say Thanks, for all the kind words of a speedy recovery we have received."

Kreator also announced they will not tour alone. So the whole tour has been cancelled. An update by the band goes as follows:

"To end the rumours: Kreator will not be playing any of the King Diamond/Kreator tour alone! Here´s a statement from Mille!

"First of all: We are very disapointed that our tour in March/April is not going to happen! We were really looking foreward to see all our North American fans again and were preparing a killer show for you! But I must also say, that right now the most important thing is King Diamonds health. I want to see the King playing shows and producing albums for many years to come in good shape and so all I can say in the name of the whole band at this point is: Get well soon King and all the strenght and best wishes from Germany! All hail to the King!"

Source:	covenworldwide.org
Band profile:	King Diamond