Spineshank guitarist Jason Hager has officially stepped down from the remainder of the band’s ongoing “Nu Metal Sucks Tour.” The former Chimaira musician released a public statement confirming that his immediate departure is necessary to prioritize and address his physical and mental well-being.
His final performance on the current run took place on May 23 at the Mercury Music Lounge in Lakewood, Ohio. To ensure the tour continues without interruption, the band has tapped guitarist Tommy Jr. to take over his live duties for the remaining scheduled dates.
Addressing the fanbase directly, Jason Hager issued the following complete statement:
“I’m sorry to say, that due to personal reasons, after our show tonight, at The Mercury, I will not be able to finish the rest of the ‘Nu Metal Sucks Tour‘. I’m currently struggling with some mental, and physical health issues that I need to get under control. Otherwise I’m no good to the band, my family, myself, or all the fans. I love Spineshank, and every band member, and crew member are my family, and I need to be 100% every night for them, and most importantly the fans. So I need to take this time to get myself to that point.”
“Thank you to everyone who made the shows amazing up to this point! and I’m deeply sorry to the fans coming out to the rest of the shows that I won’t be there. Tommy Jr. is a beast, and is more than capable of holding it down. I guarantee the rest of the shows will be amazing.”
“Thank you all for understanding. You have not seen the last of me yet.”
“Forever grateful
Jason Hager“
The “Nu Metal Sucks Tour” is a massive anniversary package featuring Spineshank celebrating 25 years of their landmark album, The Height Of Callousness. The extensive bill also includes Primer 55 celebrating their record Introduction To Mayhem, alongside (hed)p.e. performing their classic album, Broke, in its entirety. Opening duties for this final leg are being handled by Oceans On Other Planets.
“Nu Metal Sucks Tour” Remaining Dates:
- May 24 – Columbus, OH – The King Of Clubs
- May 26 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom (No Primer 55)
- May 27 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
- May 28 – Belvidere, IL – The Apollo Theatre
- May 29 – Ringle, WI – Q & Z Expo Center
- May 30 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood
- May 31 – Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
- June 01 – Madison, WI – The Annex
- June 03 – Wichita, KS – Wave
- June 04 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
- June 05 – Denver, CO – The Federal Theatre
- June 06 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
