In a highly unfortunate turn of events, Florida veteran metallers Iced Earth had to cancel their 2014 summer touring plans for their Worldwide Plagues Tour due to an ever increasing problem with guitarist Jon Schaffer’s neck. The procedure was originally scheduled to take place in September, after the tour, but the issue became so problematic that the band had to cancel all dates in the immediate future to take care of the issue immediately. The surgery is now over, Jon is recovering, and he recently gave an update on the Iced Earth Facebook page as to his condition.

Hello friends,

I’m writing to let you know that I made it through the surgery and am steadily on the road to recovery. The surgeon informed us that everything went smooth during the operation and that I should be back in action within a few months.

Thank you all very much for your support, you truly are the best fans any band could ask for.

Take care and best to you all,

Jon Schaffer

Having seen them live and personally met Jon Schaffer not long before they canceled the tour, it certainly wasn’t obvious that anything was amiss. His fighting through the pain is just a testament to how hard this band works to put on a great show for the fans, and a great show it was. Iced Earth was touring in support of their album Plagues of Babylon, which was released in January on Century Media Records. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.