German power metal pioneers Helloween have abruptly halted their current touring schedule, announcing the cancellation of their upcoming December dates in Asia due to a medical emergency involving vocalist Michael Kiske.
The band was poised to bring their massive “40 Years Anniversary Tour” to fans in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan next month. However, the physical toll of the recently concluded European leg—which kicked off mid-October in Luxembourg—has resulted in severe respiratory complications for the singer. According to the band, Kiske is suffering from a combination of acute pharyngolaryngotracheitis, asthmatic dyspnea, and bronchitis, conditions that pose a significant threat to his vocal cords without immediate cessation of singing duties.
In a statement released via social media today, November 27, Helloween explained the gravity of the situation, noting that doctors have prescribed immediate bed rest to prevent permanent damage to Kiske‘s voice.
The full statement from the band reads as follows:
“Dear pumpkinheads, we sadly have to announce that we are forced to cancel our planned Helloween concerts in (South) East Asia.
“During the recently completed European tour, Michael Kiske contracted acute pharyngolaryngotracheitis and asthmatic dyspnea with bronchitis and has been prescribed immediate bed rest by his doctor.
“We feel very sorry for our fans in Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan, but Michael‘s health has the highest priority for us, and in order to prevent a long term damage to his voice this step is unavoidable.
“We wish Michael a fast recovery and hope to be able to present our fans in (South) East Asia our mighty ‘40 Years Anniversary‘ show in 2026!”
While the Asian leg is shelved for now, the band is hopeful for a full recovery before their schedule resumes next year. Helloween is currently slated to launch the North American leg of the “40 Years Anniversary Tour” on April 7, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. That trek, which will feature support from Finnish melodic metal act Beast In Black, runs through early May.
The tour supports the group’s latest studio effort, Giants & Monsters, which was released in August via Reigning Phoenix Music. The album, mixed at the famed Wisseloord Studios (known for hosting Iron Maiden and Def Leppard), has been hailed as a dynamic successor to their chart-topping 2021 self-titled reunion record.
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