Bassist Jonathan Miller of Santa Barbara, California metallers DEVILDRIVER has released the following statement:

"To all DEVILDRIVER fans and friends, I wanted to give you an update on my status as far as my health is concerned.

"Regarding the past two European tours, I was either forced to leave by my own accord or asked to leave by my band/managment.

"I have been touring with DEVILDRIVER for almost the past ten years and the drugs and alcohol have finally caught up with me. I realized this when I ended up in the ICU on my birthday last week.

"I need to make a change so that I can save my own life and keep the friends that I still have left.

"I know that a lot of DEVILDRIVER fans seek me out first as the one to party with because I consider myself a very social person who is quite outgoing, personable and friendly. That was all fun in my 20s touring with the band, but as I am entering my early 30s, I can feel the damage catching up with me mentally and physically. I don't want to burn out prematurely before my time on this Earth is up.

"On January 1st I will be entering an intense rehabilitation program in order for me to reclaim my health and the person who I once was.

"I will not be doing the Canadian tour in January or the Australian tour in February and March. This is for my own good. I need to come out of rehab with a sound body and mind. After I complete my rehabilitation I hope to see all DEVILDRIVER friends and family as soon as I can."