Otep forced to reschedule dates
Otep frontwoman Otep Shamaya has issued the following update:"This tour has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. To be able to connect with so many people (strangers who know nothing, but understand everything) through Art is an event so profound that there are no words to truly articulate and express the experience.
"Most people know that the band and I give 2,000 percent of ourselves on stage and though the medical professionals have warned me to 'take it easy up there' or I risk serious damage to my throat, it is not something I am aware of while lost in the experience of spiritual intercourse.
"Truth be told, I know only two speeds - All or Nothing.
"Well, there's good news and tragic news. The tragic news is: due to the inflammation and reappearance of the throat polyps, we are forced to reschedule the remaining dates on this tour. The band and I are devastated by the news, but it's either reschedule now or risk losing the ability to sing altogether. I am so sorry but there is no other way.
"The good news is, the doctors think we have caught it early enough and with a bit of rest, I should be good as new again. Indeed, it worked after the last tour with Hellyeah, I took some time off, the polyp all but disappeared and we were able to go back out on the road again. I am told the same thing should happen but I am also following up with a specialist to see what else, with regards to prevention, can be done.
"Our management and agents are working hard to reschedule these shows this summer, so though a bit of a delay, won't be too much longer.
"On behalf of the band and myself (and the dreaded polyp), I offer my apologies and my appreciation for your understanding, belief, and support.
"I am because you are."
Otep's new album, "The_Ascension", sold 10,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in November to debut at position No. 81 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Produced by Dave Fortman (Mudvayne, Evanescence), "The_Ascension" sees the band challenging itself to avoid clichés and classifications and finding a new landscape of sound and vision. "We said 'genre limits and music fads be damned, let's write music that is important to us and that motivates us," explained Otep frontwoman Otep Shamaya. "I wanted to write songs we believe in and let nothing stop us from building the album we want to make."