HELLYEAH Cancels Shows After Guitarist's 'Trigger Finger' Condition Worsens

HELLYEAH has been forced to cancel several shows early next month so that guitarist Tom Maxwell can prepare for his upcoming hand surgery.

Maxwell is scheduled to go under the knife in September to treat a so-called "trigger finger," which is caused when the tendon becomes stuck as it passes through a pulley in the palm of the hand.

Tom announced the cancelation of the Jacksonville, North Carolina (September 6); Greenville, South Carolina (September 7); and Concord, Virginia shows (September 8) via a social media post earlier today. He wrote: "I was scheduled to have surgery following our last show at 'Blue Ridge Rock Festival'. My condition has worsened and my physician has advised me against performing again prior to surgery.

"I was previously involved in a car accident and broke the middle finger on my left hand. I now suffer from trigger finger, a condition that causes my finger to lock. I received a series of cortisone shots to alleviate the problem, however, the cure rate is about 70%. Unfortunately, that procedure did not work in my case.

"I am devastated that my finger has been very stiff and painful. We have been performing at our very best and the support of all those who have paid tribute to Vinnie Paul has really helped us recover from our loss. We will reschedule the headline shows.

"I'm really sorry we could not perform for you this time… But we will see you soon!"

HELLYEAH's sixth album, "Welcome Home", will be released on September 27 via Eleven Seven Music.

The band recently completed a U.S. tour — its first since drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott's passing and the debut of STONE SOUR member Roy Mayorga as Vinnie's replacement.

HELLYEAH's 18-city headlining summer outing kicked off on July 23 in Atlanta, and culminated in a special celebration on August 17 in Dallas, Texas.