Machine Head have issued a statement, postponing their upcoming European tour dates. The band's message follows:

"It is with heavy heart that we must announce the postponement of our upcoming EU/UK tour in support of the 25th anniversary of Burn My Eyes.

As residents of the Bay Area, we’ve been hit hard and have witnessed firsthand what has been going on. Public gatherings of more than 1000 have been banned in San Jose, and events in downtown San Francisco including major concerts and conferences have been shut down.

We have been watching the situation overseas on a daily basis, in contact with all promoters, and local governments for the status of our concert there. As of a week ago, we had 6 concert cancelled until the 2nd week of April, due the banning of public gathering over 1,000 people (or in some cases 100 people). Even at that point, we still held out hope that things would be contained, and that the public gathering ordinances would be lifted by the time our tour started.

As of today, we now have 14 shows cancelled until the 2nd week of April, with 7 cancelled indefinitely. And it appears as of an hour ago, another 3 have been cancelled.

15 minutes ago the World Health Organization just declared the Coronavirus a pandemic.

Of paramount importance to us is the health and safety of the Head Cases. We’ve worked hard with all our management, booking agents, and business associates to find other solutions or options, but the levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level. In addition to that, we also have a unique group of extraordinarily passionate fans who travel from all over the continent to watch our shows. We are eternally humbled by the dedication and devotion of the Head Cases, however in this case, travel is something not recommended.

So it is with deep frustration and regret that we are forced to make this announcements. The Burn My Eyes 25th anniversary tour is to be postponed and shows rescheduled for a later date, hopefully in the Fall, but possibly later.

We look forward to our next concerts with you all, and the ability to publicly gather together and play raging heavy metal for you and vent all of our collective frustration, as a result of this insane moment in history, out in the circle pit.

Stay safe, stay calm, and be well friends."

Earlier this week, Machine Head announced that they will tour Australia and New Zealand in September.

"Aussie, Aussie, Aussie... Oi, Oi, Oi!! Head Cases of Australia / New Zealand! Starting September 12th, join Machine Head for 3 hours of metal mayhem, beers, good times, life-affirming sing-a-longs, and raging circle pits. Building on our wildly popular ‘An Evening With…’ format, these not-to-be-missed Machine Fuckin' Head shows will be a three-hour musical extravaganza, comprised of two parts:

Part I - will feature a battery of Machine Head’s modern classics, such as ‘Imperium,’ ‘Halo,’ and, ‘The Blood, The Sweat, The Tears,’ featuring frontman/guitarist Robb Flynn and bassist Jared MacEachern performing alongside Vogg (Decapitated) and Matt Alston on guitar and drums.

Part II - will feature the Bay Area band’s classic debut album, Burn My Eyes played in its entirety for the first time ever with Burn My Eyes-era alumni and Machine Head’s original drummer Chris Kontos and original guitarist, Logan Mader.

Come celebrate this momentous occasion with us!!"

Guitarist / vocalist Robb Flynn adds: "Man, it feels great to heading back to Oz, always feels like a second home when we are down there, the people, the vibe, it get completely CRAZY down there. So fucking excited to bring the evening with and Burn My Eyes lineups, Australia, you guys will be fucking LEGENDS, I know it!!"

Bassist Jared MacEachern enthuses: "Are you sick cunts ready for Machine Fucking Head?! You’ve been screaming for it, and now it’s time to bring the rage down under!! Australia has had a hard time recently with the fires, and New Zealand is still rebuilding after the earthquakes some years ago; we know you guys are hurting. The time has come for all of you to get out to the show, connect with your fellow Head Cases, and rage out like there is no tomorrow!! We heard a few of you say that New York City recently gave y’all a run for your money. Now is your chance to show the world how legendary Australia and New Zealand can party! Scream, bang, RAGE! MACHINE FUCKING HEAD!"

Drummer Chris Kontos says: "One of the biggest let downs of my life was missing out on going down under with MH in 1995. It was a life long dream to be able to play music there. It has been a massive regret that has haunted me for 24 years. To be back in MH touring the world has been beyond gratifying this year. Being able to redeem myself and get to go to Australia and New Zealand is just mind blowing. I have many friends in the metal community as well as the BMX world in Oz...OI OI OI WE ARE COMING TO AUSTRALIA! FUCK YEAH! See you all soon!"

Drummer Matt Alston adds: "Holy shit!! Excited doesn’t even come close! I always love visiting and touring Australia and New Zealand, but now getting to play my first shows in AUS/NZ is definitely going to be an incredible experience for me!"

Guitarist Logan Mader says: "Finding out that MH BME Tour is going down under is the best news I’ve heard in a long time. My favorite place on earth... no offense to any of the other great nations I love and am so lucky to visit but Australia to me is like Disneyland to an 8 year old. The shows (and shoeys 🤪) will be legendary!!! I may never leave so if I go missing down there don’t worry or go looking for me, I’ll be fine."

Guitarist Vogg Kiełtyka is equally excited, adding: "Aussie and NZ! Machine Head will deliver Burn My Eyes crushing show to your cities in September this year. I had a chance to play in your countries with my band, it is without any doubt a huge honor to share a stage with Robb, Logan, Jared, Chris and Matt for this special occasion. This tour will be an unforgettable experience!!!

Ticket and VIP info can be found at machinehead1.com.

Dates:

September
12 - Perth, Australia - Metropolis, Fremantle
14 - Adelaide, Australia - Thebarton Theater
16 - Melbourne, Australia - Forum Theater
18 - Sydney, Australia - Enmore Theater
19 - Brisbane, Australia - Eatons Hill Hotel
22 - Auckland, New Zealand - Powerstation

Details on a contest to win $500 worth of Machine Head swag can be found here.