Last night (May 7), Opeth were forced to cancel their performance at the Myth in Maplewood, Minnesota at the last minute. Official confirmation has yet to be given regarding the matter, but numerous sources are reporting that the cancelation is due to frontman Mikael Akerfeldt being hospitalized following a car accident.
According to The Gauntlet and Lambgoat, a tour manager came onstage and informed the crowd that Akerfeldt had been sent to the hospital following some sort of car accident. Apparently, Akerfeldt suffered a broken arm from the accident, but is said to be doing fine and expected to return to Opeth’s tour shortly. Both Mastodon and Ghost reportedly performed extended sets last night to fill in. However, exact details, including when Akerfeldt will be able to rejoin the tour, have yet to be confirmed.
Update: Contrary to previous reports, Akerfeldt did not break his arm nor was in a car accident. Blabbermouth is now reporting that the frontman was rushed to the hospital to receive treatment for a minor cut on his head.
Opeth have also just released a statement regarding the incident, which can be read after the jump.
“Many have already learned that yesterday’s performances at The Myth In St Paul had to be cancelled due to Mikael having an accident.
Right before stage time Mike bumped his head on the tour bus which resulted in a pretty deep cut that required urgent medical attention. Mike was taken to hospital which he left a little later with eight stitches and a nasty headache. He’s doing OK now and we expect him to be up and running (though slightly slower) again for tomorrow’s show and onwards.
Mike & the band were very disappointed not being able to play yesterday but thank everyone for their understanding and for the tons of get-well-wishes Mike has received since. The band also thanks their friends in Mastodon for playing an extended set that hopefully kept all who attended happy.”
[via]
