Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes Bow Out of European Tour With Papa Roach Citing Mental Health Issues

The road can not only be a grind physically for rockers, but mentally as well. And in a new posting from Frank Carter, the Rattlesnakes leader reveals that the band will be bowing out of their upcoming European dates with Papa Roach while he deals with fighting his demons.

In a very frank and revealing message, Carter says, "While visible wounds are easily sympathized, the insidious nature of internal pain means that talking about it can be not only a difficult situation but also one that is incredibly embarrassing and wrapped in guilt and shame."

He adds, "When life gets dark inside there is no outside light that is bright enough to show you a safe passage. When you cannot find the light in yourself, that is when the real fight begins. Recently I have found myself fighting harder and much more frequently than I think is either healthy or acceptable. No person should ever have to constantly fight through demons."

"So instead, I am taking some time away from touring to focus on finding the light within myself to be able to always find a safe passage through any situation that the dark labyrinthine confines of my mind can throw at me," continues Carter. "I will therefore not be able to perform on our upcoming European tour with Papa Roach."

The singer states, "I am incredibly lucky to have the life that I have, I want to be able to enjoy it for a long time and the only way I can do that is to be brutally honest with myself and stand up and say 'I am not ok...' But I will be. Thank you for your patience and understanding while I work this out. I have a lot more to offer the world, and I look forward to sharing it with you all when I am a stronger, happier and healthier person."

Carter adds an addendum for those dealing with their own mental health struggles: "If you are struggling with the weight of the world around you, please talk to someone. Embarrassment breeds Shame, shame breeds loneliness and loneliness will kill you if you let it. You are not alone." Check out the singer's full post via the band's Facebook page.

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes were due to join Papa Roach on their European tour starting tomorrow (Sept. 15) in Hamburg, Germany. The trek had shows booked into mid-October before it concluded. It has not been revealed who will now fill the support slot for Papa Roach on the run.

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes are having a stellar year, recently earning nominations for Best Live Band and Breakthrough Band at the 2017 Loudwire Music Awards. Fan voting is currently underway and continues through Oct. 2 at 11:59PM ET at this location. Carter and his band are also currently booked for the Loudwire Music Awards kickoff concert taking place at the Regent Theatre in Los Angeles on Oct. 23. Tickets for that show are available here. Meanwhile, you can see if Carter wins in either of the categories at the Loudwire Music Awards the following night (Oct. 24) in Los Angeles at The Novo. Tickets for the LMAs can be purchased here.

See Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes in the Best Rock Albums of 2017 (So Far)