The multi-platinum, Billboard-topping band Avenged Sevenfold is no stranger to climbing charts and packing arenas with fan favorites like “Bat Country,” “Afterlife,” and “So Far Away.” So when the group announced it was pressing pause on its 2025 Latin American tour, fans across the internet were understandably gutted.
On Friday, September 26, the metal heavyweights took to X (formerly Twitter) with a statement explaining what happened: “With a heavy heart, and regretfully, we have to announce that due to a specific condition called a vocal fold hematoma, we have made the necessary decision to push our tour to early next year. We promise to come back stronger than ever. Your tickets will still be valid for the rescheduled shows—new dates are on the way and will be announced next week. Thank you for your understanding, love, and support.”
The message was paired with a nearly three-minute video from frontman M. Shadows, who explained the situation in his own words. “Got some discouraging news, gonna have to postpone the Latin America tour. Got my voice in some sort of trouble,” he began.
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After performing at the Louder Than Life music festival, he said he thought he was just sick or run down from “travel, the schedule, etcetera.” But when things didn’t improve in Argentina, he saw a doctor and learned he had a hematoma on his left vocal fold. “It’s the same injury I had in 2017,” the 44-year-old vocalist admitted. “In 2017 though, I decided to keep singing through it, took a bunch of pills and ended up resulting in surgery. So basically, if I shut this down now, I’ll have a couple weeks of voice rest and then a couple months of rehab.”
According to Weill Cornell Medicine, a vocal fold hematoma happens when a blood vessel bursts in the vocal cords, creating swelling and sudden changes in the voice. It can be caused by illness, screaming, or overuse, and requires strict rest to prevent permanent damage.
Shadows added that the band’s shows — including Buenos Aires, Santiago, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Bogotá, and Mexico City — will now be rescheduled for January 2026.
He apologized not only to fans who had already made travel plans but also to the openers — Mr. Bungle, A Day to Remember, Poppy, and Karen Dió — along with the crew and staff who were already on the ground. “I’m sorry this had to happen,” he said. “It just sucks. Can’t wait to see you guys in January.”
Shortly after posting, it didn’t take long for reactions to pour into the comments section.
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“This isn’t the news we were hoping for because we’ve been dying to see you live. But we understand the situation. We’ll be waiting for you in Mexico,” one fan wrote.
“Your vocals are unmatched, and the harmony of the band is incredible. Thank you for your work!” another said.
“Health comes first, take care and we hope you get better. Sending love. See you soon!” chimed in a third.
Even fellow rock icons weighed in. Disturbed frontman David Draiman wrote on X, “Rest up and heal my brother 🙏🏻,” while Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix posted on Instagram: “Dang i feel for you brother. Ive had 4 vocal surgeries and had issues just like yours. I know how tough this is. Heal up and get after it when you are better. Much love brotha!”