Celtic Frosts management offers a health update on Tom 'Warrior' Fischer.

"Over the last couple of days we have received a lot of questions regarding the health of Tom Fischer [CELTIC FROST frontman], as well as a ton of 'get well' notices. Here is an explanation of recent developments.

"At around 7pm on June 3rd, Tom was admitted to a hospital in Gelsenkirchen [Germany] as his kidneys were causing him a great deal of pain. After several check-ups he was diagnosed with a kidney stone that was about to dislocate.

"Tom's pain was so strong that only several large doses of morphine gave him any relief. Accordingly he was unable to perform at the Rock Hard Festival that very evening.

"Martin [Ain, bass], Franco [Sesa, drums] and especially Tom are extremely unhappy with the way things turned out and would like to apologise to all their fans who waited in vain for their set. CELTIC FROST were looking forward to their first [German] gig in 15 years and were determined to present a great show. Unfortunately, on this occasion it was not to be.

"CELTIC FROST would like to thank all the other bands who entered the stage on the spur of the moment to make this a memorable evening for these fans. They would also like to thank the Rock Hard team, all their fans and Dr. Dielenschneider, the best doctor in the whole of Gelsenkirchen.

"Tom Gabriel Fischer has been transferred to a Zurich hospital and is undergoing a kidney operation as this press release is being typed. Instead of an easier to handle but more time-consuming method he has decided to have this operation as he wants to be able to perform again as soon as possible. He is adamant that he will perform at Sweden Rock [festival] this coming weekend and also fulfil all other forthcoming festival dates."