THE ABSENCE Explains 'Fresh Meat Tour' Cancellation

Tampa melodic trash outfit THE ABSENCE has commented on the cancellation of the previously announced Fresh Meat Tour, featuring "the best, cream-of-the-crop, ear-bleeding bands who have recently signed with Metal Blade Records." The trek, which was scheduled to include THE ABSENCE, THE DESTRO, EPICUREAN and ROSE FUNERAL, was called off "due to a family emergency and other unforeseen circumstances," according to a statement released by Metal Blade.

THE ABSENCE has released the following statement on the matter:

"First, let us say that we absolutely hate to cancel tours and shows. We love our fans and try so hard to make it to everyone that wants to see us.

"Alright, so here's the deal, everyone... Yes, we have once again had to cancel a tour. BUT we are quite sick of candy-coating everything and making it seem like it's really our fault. First, ROSE FUNERAL had to drop off due to some personal reasons, we wish them the best. As well as EPICUREAN having to drop off. After all said and done, THE ABSENCE and THE DESTRO decided it wouldn't be worth the 7-8 sometimes 10-12 hour drives between shows for very small amounts of money. These small amounts of money would not even cover gas to get to the next show.

"Everyone knows how high gas prices are at this time so we need not go into that any further.

"This month-long tour was eventually turned into a 13-day tour after shows and venues were cancelling left and right due to the fact that some booking agents can't do their jobs correctly and end up dealing with 15-year-old promoters who are not yet experienced enough with putting on shows that enclude four national acts and have the show be a success. It just doesnt happen.

"No, we are not 'rock stars.' But we do expect our guaranteed amount of money and decent meals every show. We sometimes drive all night and play shows exhausted as hell to make sure all of our fans are happy. And when our fans are happy we know we've done our job and have no room to complain. But when we can't even afford to get to the first show and probably can't afford to make it home, there's a problem.

"We just can't stay quiet and say we had to drop off for reasons that aren't true. It's all the 'behind-the-scenes' politics that fans don't realize happen or see. Booking agents dropped the ball. Not the bands. Bottom line.

"We hope you all understand and still support us and the other bands that were suposed to be apart of this tour as well.

"So, we're sorry to all of you that won't be able to see us this time around but we promise you we'll be back around in the end of 2008 with a full U.S./Canadian tour."

The Fresh Meat Tour was slated to kick off on June 19 in Richland, New Jersey and conclude on July 6 in McAllen, Texas.