Spineshank guitarist Jason Hager has stepped away from the band’s ongoing ‘Nu Metal Sucks Tour’, announcing that he will not complete the remaining dates in order to prioritize his mental and physical health.
In a statement shared on May 23rd, the former Chimaira guitarist explained that he made the decision after struggling with ongoing health issues, emphasizing that he needs time away from the road to recover properly.
Hager said:
“I’m sorry to say, that due to personal reasons, after our show tonight at The Mercury, I will not be able to finish the rest of the Nu Metal Sucks Tour. I’m currently struggling with some mental and physical health issues that I need to get under control. Otherwise I’m no good to the band, my family, myself, or all the fans.”
He went on to stress that his decision was made out of responsibility to both the band and fans, noting that he wants to return at full strength rather than push through while unwell.
“I love Spineshank, and every band member and crew member are my family, and I need to be 100% every night for them, and most importantly the fans. So I need to take this time to get myself to that point.”
Hager also thanked fans for their support throughout the tour so far and apologized to those attending upcoming shows he will miss. He added that guitarist Tommy Decker Jr. will continue handling guitar duties for the remainder of the run.
“Thank you to everyone who made the shows amazing up to this point! And I’m deeply sorry to the fans coming out to the rest of the shows that I won’t be there. Tommy Jr. is a beast, and is more than capable of holding it down. I guarantee the rest of the shows will be amazing.”
He closed his statement on a hopeful note, assuring fans that this is not a permanent goodbye.
“You have not seen the last of me yet. Forever grateful.”
The ‘Nu Metal Sucks Tour’ sees Spineshank celebrating the 25th anniversary of ‘The Height Of Callousness’, alongside performances from Primer 55, who are marking ‘Introduction To Mayhem’, and (hed)p.e., performing ‘Broke’ in full. Opening support on the final stretch comes from Oceans On Other Planets.
Remaining Tour Dates
- 05/23 Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
- 05/24 Columbus, OH – The King Of Clubs
- 05/26 Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom (no Primer 55)
- 05/27 Joliet, IL – The Forge
- 05/28 Belvidere, IL – The Apollo Theatre
- 05/29 Ringle, WI – Q & Z Expo Center
- 05/30 Iowa City, IA – Wildwood
- 06/01 Madison, WI – The Annex
- 06/03 Wichita, KS – Wave
- 06/04 Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
- 06/05 Denver, CO – The Federal Theatre
- 06/06 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
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The guys in Chimaira could of told us this would happen
John Hillman it’s not a joke man. Do you deal with depression and anxiety?… the guys in Chimaira PROBABLY wishes him the best and know he’ll be back in full force ready to go.
Mike Zietz it’s 2026. I don’t know anyone who isn’t suffering from anxiety or depression. That’s more or less why he left Chimaira with the same instances. The road definitely is not meant for everyone. I wouldn’t do it either. Playing clubs is a young man’s game these days
Where do I sign up!?
Life happens 🤘
Tommy Jr has it locked down yall. Everything is good.
Who
Ken Farmer og founding member/guitarist for Chimera. Absolutely sound guy (met him during Spineshank’s gig in Bristol a few months ago)
Ken Farmer not sure if a bot or just fucking stupid and edgy.
George LeSueur my bad thought the name was Simone else that’s all don’t be such a dick
Ken Farmer riiiiiiight
So you are callin me a lier? Go fk yourself tool
Nu metal is now Old man metal now.
Derek DMacabre def not. theres a huge resurgence in youth in nu metal currently
Derek DMacabre Take it easy man!!🤣🤣
Derek DMacabre ok now go back to mommy’s basement
Hate to say it, but Jason was the best thing that happened with this reunion.
Singer needs to go on health kick
Saw them Saturday at Reverb. They tore down the house! Same with Hed PE and Primer 55. Even the opener Oceans on other Planets was good. Took the wife and kids, had a blast. Hope Jason gets well!!
Matthew Lott was also at this show. 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽