A “minor prostate issue” has led to the cancellation of former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes’ previously scheduled May 2026 tour across the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.
Roughly a week after The Abyss in Gothenburg, Sweden, where Holmes had been set to appear on May 27, announced via social media that the 67-year-old would no longer perform “due to health issues that require immediate attention,” his wife and manager Catherine Holmes provided the following update:
“First, thank you for your patience. Sometimes people forget that behind the music, the noise, and the stage lights, there are real human beings — with real lives, real bodies, and real little health issues like everyone else. The only difference is that when something happens to them, it ends up on social media and suddenly becomes bigger than it is.”
“To everyone who reached out with kindness for Chris: thank you. Truly. Your messages touched us more than you know. You care about the man as much as the artist, and that means everything.”
“Now, let me be clear. The message that ended up online was for promoters. The decision to postpone the May tour was mine — as his wife and as his manager. Nothing mysterious, nothing dramatic, simply because at his age, some small things — like prostate issues (many men know exactly what I mean) — are better handled right away and I wanted this small issue fixed now so it doesn’t interfere with future projects and shows. A misunderstanding happened. It’s life. We all make mistakes.”
“So: Chris has a minor prostate issue, nothing that threatens his projects, his tours, or his fire. It’s already being taken care of, and he’ll be back on his feet and on stage soon.”
“To those who support Chris with heart and respect: we send that love right back to you. We love you all.”
In February 2022, Holmes received a devastating diagnosis of throat and neck cancer, which forced him to immediately step away from all touring commitments. He underwent a grueling seven-week regimen of radiation therapy to combat the disease. Thankfully, five months after completing his treatments, he delivered a triumphant update to his supporters, officially declaring that the cancer was “gone.”
Chris Holmes originally cemented his legacy in the heavy metal scenes as a key member of W.A.S.P. Joining the Los Angeles outfit during its infancy in 1982, his searing guitar work helped define the band’s classic era before his initial departure in 1990. He later returned to the fold for a second stint spanning from 1996 to 2001. Following his final exit over two decades ago, he has remained completely focused on his solo endeavors and has not shared a stage with his former bandmates since.
