Veteran metal guitarist CHRIS HOLMES, known for his years with heavy metal legends W.A.S.P., has been forced to cancel his scheduled May 2026 tour of the United Kingdom and Scandinavia due to a medical issue. The 67-year-old guitarist's wife and manager Catherine Holmes announced the cancellation via social media, citing a minor prostate condition requiring prompt attention.
"Some small things — like prostate issues (many men know exactly what I mean) — are better handled right away," Catherine explained. She emphasized that the matter is already being addressed and that Holmes will return to the stage soon.
This is not the first health challenge Holmes has faced in recent years. In February 2022, he was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer, but successfully completed seven weeks of radiation therapy and later confirmed the cancer had gone into remission. The guitarist has remained active in music since his recovery.
Holmes was a key member of W.A.S.P. from 1982 to 1990, and again from 1996 to 2001. His aggressive playing style and wild stage persona were integral to the band's early shock-rock and heavy metal identity. He contributed to landmark albums including "W.A.S.P." (1984) and "The Last Command" (1985).
Rescheduled dates for the canceled tour are expected to be announced once Holmes has fully recovered from the procedure.