High on Fire Cancel Tour Due to Matt Pike’s Toes; Guitarist Reveals He Has Diabetes

Last fall, High on Fire were forced to drop off their tour with Municipal Waste due to “a medical emergency culminating in the partial amputation of one of his toes.” As awful as that sounds, Pike kept his chin up and had some fun with it, posting a grisly photo of the severed digit along with a plug for the band’s new album while vowing to play all upcoming live dates with Sleep (which he did!).

Now, unfortunately, things have taken another turn south: Pike is facing the possible amputation of another toe, High on Fire have announced they’re canceling their upcoming tour, which had been scheduled to begin later this week. Pike has also revealed that diabetes is the cause of his recent health issues. Here is the band’s statement:

“Dear Friends and fans,

To my brothers, my crew, and anyone else this affects. I do apologize for the inconvenience of this cancelation. I feel as though I’m explaining lightning striking twice. I wanted nothing more in the world to play these songs live, nor ever cancel something I say I’m gonna do.

“I am a warrior for our art, and have endured some painful things to what we do. The timing and repeating nature of this is my nightmare and almost impossible. Nevertheless, to save yet another toe, my big one, I have been grounded by circumstances out of my control. I will have more of a medical report to come but right now I’m at great risk of losing it, and/or a bigger portion of my foot due to diabetes. Which I have been managing very well.”

“It just shows how this disease can affect our lives. Please forgive me, and if you know anything about me, you know this is not like me. We will be back!”

Pike is a rock n’ roll warrior who wouldn’t cancel a tour unless he were facing a truly serious issue, so we hope he’s getting the healthcare he needs and is already on his way to recovery. Furthermore, diabetes is no joke, and we hope Matt is taking the proper steps to take care of himself and manage his condition going forward (which it certainly sounds like he is). Wishing Matt and everyone in the HoF camp all the best.

Ticket refunds are available through the point of purchase.