Slayer - Araya Back Surgery Prompts Slayer To Cancel Tour Dates

Heavy rockers SLAYER have scrapped their immediate tour plans so bassist TOM ARAYA can undergo back surgery.

The rocker began experiencing back pain on tour in Australia and Japan late last year (09) and was diagnosed with a cervical radiculopathy - a dysfunction of a nerve root of the spine - upon his return home to California.

Araya tried to correct the problem without major surgery but his orthopaedist has now persuaded him to go under the knife in an effort to end his intermittent bouts of severe pain, numbness and muscle spasms, according to Blabbermouth.net.

Slayer's manager Rick Sales says, "Tom gave various medical treatments more than a fair shot, but they just haven't handled the problem, so he's biting the bullet and is scheduled for back surgery at the end of this month."

According to reports, Araya will undergo an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion.

All upcoming Slayer dates will be rescheduled.

Sales adds, "As unfortunate as this is for so many people... Tom's health is the number one priority, and this has to happen."