Machine Head's Duce Sits Out Swedish Concert

The bassist is recovering from a root canal operation after discovering he has been battling a nasty infection for the last two years, which could have been fatal.

The procedure means Duce has to sit out of the group's supporting slot on the Metallica tour in Stockholm - and pal Patrik Jensen, from The Haunted, has been recruited to fill in for him, reports Blabbermouth.net.

In a statement to fans, Duce says, "Apparently I've had this abscessed tooth breeding infection just above my mouth for a couple of years.

"The pain was tolerable and I didn't think to have it checked out. I went to the doctor to see if it was OK to fly, and she told me to go get some x-rays. My dentist found the abscessed tooth as soon as he looked at the x-rays and sent me to another dentist that could fit me in immediately for a root canal procedure. The dentist also informed me that I couldn't fly with that condition because, believe it or not, it could be fatal due to how close the infection is to my brain.

"I apologise to all the fans in Sweden for not being able to be there for Monday's show. Thanks for your understanding and I'll see you next time."

Duce is expected to resume his touring commitments when the band play a show in Munich, Germany on Wednesday (06May09).