Former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno's previously announced U.S. tour, which was scheduled to kick off this coming weekend, has now been officially postponed until 2013. The trek was called off due to the fact that the musician has has yet to secure a proper working visa to be able to enter the country.
He says in a
statement: "This is a great shame, but is entirely beyond our control.
We have been assured that more details will be given by the end of this
week, so if/when that happens, it shall be posted on [my official
Facebook page]. Once again, very sorry for this 'delay.'"
Di'Anno
completed his first North American tour in early 2010, 17 years after
he was deported following a prison term for guns and drug offenses.
On August 27, 2011, Di'Anno
played his first show since serving time in a U.K. prison after he
falsely collected U.K. government benefits by claiming he suffered nerve
damage to his back that prevented him from working.
Due to a number of health issues, including a knee problem which will require surgery soon, Di'Anno announced in July that he will stop touring next year.
Michael Salenius, Di'Anno's Swedish booking manager and tour manager, told BLABBERMOUTH.NET that next year will be "a big, fantastic" last touring year for Paul, with a lot of solo shows, festival appearances and Di'Anno vs. Blaze Bayley concerts. You will also see various guest musicians joining Paul on stage.
Di'Anno recorded two classic albums with IRON MAIDEN before being fired and replaced by Bruce Dickinson. He went on to front a number of other bands, including KILLERS and BATTLEZONE, and released several solo records.
