The Statement:
It’s been almost three months since Chicao, and I still look down at my leg in disbelief. Two years of waiting through the pandemic, hoping we would have an opening to be a band again and continue the work we started 30 some odd years ago. Rehearsing, training, reconciling, working our way back to form. Then one and a half shows into it and my tendon tears. Felt like a sick joke the universe played on me. As I write this I remind myself it’s just a bad circumstance. Just a fucked up moment.

Unfortunately it is a moment that requires a lot of work and healing. I have a severe tear in my left Achilles tendon and only 8% of my tendon was left intact. And even that portion was severaly compromised. It’s not simply a question of being able to perform again, but extends to basic functionality going forward. That’s why I’ve made the painful and difficult decision to cancel the remaining shows on our 2023 North American Leg.

I hate cancelling shows. I hate disappointing our fans. You have all waited so patiently to see us and that is never lost on me. I never take that for granted. For you I have the ultimate gratitude and respect.

To my brothers Tim, Brad and Tom; to El P, Killer Mike, Trackstar and the whole RTJ crew; to everyone on our production team: techs, cooks, drivers, assistants, security squad, to anyone and everyone who made the shows thus far possible, all my love and respect. I hope to see you very soon.

Zack de la Rocha

*** end of statement ***

PiercingMetal Thoughts: I don’t have much to add here since this is a matter of one’s health and let’s face it that is the most important thing these days. It surely sucks that this happened to Zack so early on in the shows and that he would end up sitting through some truly energetic performances. Having caught one of the sold-out Madison Square Garden shows a few months back I can only say how exciting it was and how much energy was in the venue despite his being seated through the whole performance. I wish him the speediest of possible recovery and hope that by the time 2024 rolls around that he will be able to perform in the capacity that he wishes too and no further complications arise from this injury. Chime in if you’ve something on topic to add. I will see you all again soon, please keep safe out there.

Official: http://www.ratm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RATM