Following yesterday’s news that Pennywise’s new(ish) frontman Zoli Téglás had attacked the Western Australian government for their environmentally damaging plans to drill and dredge up the ocean, he’s making headlines again today with news that Pennywise have postponed their Australian tour.

The Californian punk veterans were originally due to play a six-date national tour at the end of the month, but have had to pull out for the time being.

No, it’s not a political statement by Téglás over WA’s actions; but instead because of his noted back injuries.

The news first broke via Soundwave/Harvest boss AJ Maddah, who tweeted:

A statement from the band quickly followed, with guitarist Fletcher Dragge taking to the band’s website to write: “The doctor’s news was a hard blow for everyone but Zoli’s health is our number one priority. We are working with the best doctors around to make sure Zoli gets back on his feet as soon as possible.”

Téglás has suffered chronic injuries to his back and spine since a European tour earlier this year, including having emergency surgery after collapsing onstage during a Pennywise performance at the German With Full Force Festival.

Following the singer’s collapse, the band issued a statement saying it was “due to lower back complications from a herniated disk.” Though the surgery went “as perfect as could be” with reports that Téglás was recovering, “[he’s] already up and slowly moving around.” It did however, force the band to cancel the last leg of their tour.

Despite assurances that the frontman’s recuperation would not affect their Australian and Japan tour dates, “after being examined by multiple specialists” says the band’s statement, “Zoli has been advised to commence further treatments immediately.”

Dragge offering condolences to those awaiting their impending visit Down Under,  “our apologies go out to all our dedicated fans…we will be making up these shows as soon as possible… keep the beers cold!”

Their six Australian shows, set to kick off on the Gold Coast on August 23rd, was in support of the band’s latest album, All Or Nothing, their first new record since 2008 and their debut with Téglás following the departure of founding vocalist Jim Lindberg in 2010.

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