Florida-based thrashers THE ABSENCE have issued the following statement in regard to the cancellation of the Fresh Meat Tour, which was also to feature THE DESTRO, EPICUREAN and ROSE FUNERAL:

"First, let us say that We (The Absence), absolutely hate to cancel tours and shows. We love our fans and try so hard to make it to everyone that wants to see us.

Alright so here's the deal everyone... Yes, we have once again had to cancel a tour. BUT, we are quite sick of candy coating everything and making it seem like it's really our fault.

First Rose Funeral had to drop off due to some personal reasons, we wish them the best. As well as Epicurean having to drop off.

After all said and done, The Absence and The Destro decided it wouldn't be worth the 7 - 8 sometimes 10 - 12 hour drives between shows for very small amounts of money. These small amounts of money would not even cover gas to get to the next show. Everyone knows how high gas prices are at this time so we need not go into that any further.

This month-long tour was eventually turned into a 13 day tour after shows and venues were cancelling left and right due to the fact that "Some Booking Agents" can't do their jobs correctly and end up dealing with 15 year old promoters who are not yet experienced enough with putting on shows that include 4 national acts and have the show be a success. It just doesnt happen.

No, we are not "rockstars". But we do expect our guaranteed amount of money and decent meals every show. We sometimes drive all night and play shows exhausted as hell to make sure all of our fans are happy. And when our fans are happy we know we've done our job and have no room to complain.

But when we can't even afford to get to the first show and probably can't afford to make it home, there's a problem. We just can't stay quiet and say we had to drop off for reasons that aren't true. It's all the "behind the scenes" politics that fans don't realize happen or see. Booking agents dropped the ball. Not the bands. Bottom line.

We hope you all understand and still support us and the other bands that were suposed to be apart of this tour as well.

So, we're sorry to all of you that wont be able to see us this time around but we promise you we'll be back around in the end of 2008 with a full US / Canadian tour."