Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes has canceled his previously announced tour of the United Kingdom and Scandinavia due to health issues requiring immediate attention. The announcement was shared by The Abyss club.
The announcement addressed the cancellation of shows scheduled for May 2026. It also clarified the status of future performances.
“Out of respect for our fans and promoters, we feel compelled to explain why we are obliged to cancel our UK and Scandinavia tour scheduled for May,” Chris Holmes and his wife/manager Catherine Holmes said. “All shows taking place after July remain unaffected.”
The statement continued with details about the health-related cancellation.
“Due to health issues that require immediate attention, we must unfortunately cancel the May tour,” they continued. “We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information. We would like to thank each and every one of you for your understanding, and we ask that you please accept our apologies.”
The tour was originally scheduled for May 2026. All performances after July remain as planned.
This latest health concern adds to a series of challenges Holmes has faced in recent years. The 68-year-old guitarist was a founding member of the glam metal band W.A.S.P. He has previously battled significant health issues that have impacted his career.
Holmes was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016. This was a serious condition that required extensive treatment. He successfully underwent treatment and recovered by 2017. This allowed him to return to performing and touring. The cancer diagnosis was particularly concerning for a musician whose career depends heavily on vocal and performance capabilities.
Beyond his cancer battle, Holmes has been open about his struggles with alcohol-related problems. He documented these challenges in his 2018 autobiography “Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die.” These personal challenges have been part of his journey as both a musician and public figure. They show his resilience in overcoming various obstacles throughout his career.
Following his recovery from throat cancer, Holmes remained active in the music scene. He continued to tour and perform across Europe in recent years. His ability to return to the stage after such serious health challenges demonstrated his dedication to his craft and his fans. This makes the latest cancellation particularly disappointing for those who have followed his recovery journey.
The guitarist’s current health issues requiring immediate attention have not been specified in detail. Given his history and age, fans and the music community are expressing concern and support for his recovery. His decision to cancel only the May dates while keeping July shows intact suggests optimism about his condition improving with proper medical care.
