Mikael Åkerfeldt Has Laryngitis, Opeth Shows Canceled

Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt has come down with a case of “acute laryngitis” that has left him unable to sing — in his words, “I sounded like a goddamn troll” — resulting the cancelation of three shows on the band’s current North American tour.

The vocalist announced the news via Facebook last night, indicating that at least the following dates would be postponed:

Feb. 17 – Worcester, MA – Palladium (last night)
Feb. 18 – Montreal, QC, CA – Mtelus
Feb. 19 – Toronto, ON, CA – REBEL

Refunds are available for the canceled dates, although Mikael adds that “we’re definitely intending to reschedule these shows” and encourages fans to hold on to their tickets, ensuring purchasers they’ll still be valid.

We sincerely hope Mikael is well enough to perform by the time the band’s two-night stint in NYC rolls around this weekend, not only because we love the guy, and not only because the fans anxiously await, but because we have tickets!

Remaining dates of the tour, which feature Graveyard opening, are posted below, followed by a reminder of a rosier time when Mikael’s vocal cords — and his trademark dry sense of humor — were in tip-top shape.

Feb 21 – New York, NY – Apollo Theater [tickets]
Feb 22 – New York, NY – Apollo Theater [tickets]
Feb 23 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore [tickets]
Feb 25 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre [tickets]
Feb 26 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium (no Graveyard) [tickets]
Feb 28 – Houston, TX – House of Blues [tickets]
Feb 29 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory [tickets]
Mar 1 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland (no Graveyard) [tickets]
Mar 2 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom [tickets]
Mar 4 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium [tickets]