Guitarist Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions) has issued the following statement in regards to Yngwie Malmsteen's Guitar Gods 2014 tour:

"Unfortunately we are forced to cancel my participation in this tour due to unforeseen circumstances which are beyond our control. We don't know why, but work Visas got mysteriously delayed for no apparent reason to the point where we were left with no other reasonable choice but to cancel at this late stage.

In over 30 years of obtaining US visas this has never happened to me, but I guess there's always a first.

I would have loved to play for the North American audience on this tour, like so many times before, but I'm sure my three guitar-playing friends will be just fine without me and will more than make up for it with their considerable skills. I'm wishing them best luck and lots of inspiration!!!"

Guitar Gods 2014 also features Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses), and Gary Hoey. Guitar Center has announced a number of special Q&A; and autograph signings in support of the tour as detailed below.

Thursday, June 12 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Scranton

Appearance by Uli Jon Roth and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal

Friday, June 13 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Carle Place

Appearance by Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Gary Hoey

Saturday, June 14 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center East Brunswick

Appearance by all four guitarists

Sunday, June 15 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Buffalo

Appearance by all four guitarists

Tuesday, June 17 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Totowa

Appearance by all four guitarists

Friday, June 20 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Naperville

Appearance by all four guitarists

Thursday, June 26 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Lynwood

Appearance by all four guitarists

Friday, June 27 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Beaverton

Appearance by Uli Jon Roth and Gary Hoey

Wednesday, July 2 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Block at Orange

Appearance by all four guitarists

Thursday, July 3 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center West LA

Appearance by all four guitarists

Tuesday, July 8 at 12 p.m.—Guitar Center Tucson

Appearance by Uli Jon Roth and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal

Tour dates:

June

13 - Paramount Theatre - Huntington, NY
14 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ
15 - Brauns Concert Cove - Akron, NY
17 - Bergen Performing Arts Center- Englewood, NJ
18 - The Agora Theater - Cleveland, OH
20 - Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, IL
21 - Phoenix Theatre - Toronto, ON
22 - Mojoes Concert Hall - Joliet, IL
23 - Skyway Theatre - Minneapolis, MN
26 - Showbox Theatre - Seattle, WA
27 - Roseland Theater - Portland, OR
28 - River Rock Casino - Richmond, BC

July

2 - The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA
3 - Saban Theatre - Beverly Hills, CA
5 - Ramona Rodeo And Fair Grounds – Ramona, CA
7 - House Of Blues – Las Vegas, NV
8 - Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ
10 - House Of Blues – Dallas, TX
12 - House Of Blues – Houston, TX

Promo video: