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AS I LAY DYING Officially Pulls Out Of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE North American Tour

Due to the recent arrest of their lead singer Tim Lambesis, San Diego metallers AS I LAY DYING have canceled their participation in the upcoming KILLSWITCH ENGAGE North American headlining tour. Says AS I LAY DYING in a statement: "In light of recent events, AS I LAY DYING will, unfortunately, not be taking part in the upcoming tour withKILLSWITCH ENGAGE. Given the circumstances, we feel that it is best for the band to be off the road while the current situation gets sorted. We'd like to thank all of our fans for their ongoing support at this difficult time." Lambesis was arrested on may 7 for allegedly hiring someone to kill his estranged wife. He was ordered held on $3 million bail during his arraignment hearing last Thursday and he faces nine years in state prison if convicted.

SLAYER: ‘Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration’ To Be Held In Los Angeles

The Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration will take place on Thursday, May 23 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-in basis (subject to venue capacity). All ages are welcome, and paid parking will be available around the venue. Members of SLAYER released a statement on Thursday (May 9) saying that Hanneman died of alcohol-related cirrhosis. The guitarist had actually not been playing with SLAYER for more than two years since he contracted necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, from a spider bite in his backyard in January 2011. The infection ravaged the flesh and tissues of Hanneman's arm, leading to numerous surgeries, skin grafts and intense periods of rehab that forced him into semi-retirement and left him near death at several points.