MOTORHEAD have postponed their European tour, which was due to start next week, after mainman Lemmy realised he wasn’t fit enough to hit the road.

He’s been struggling with health issues since he suffered a haematoma in July, leading to a three-week spell in hospital. The band called off a summer tour, then cut short their comeback show at the Wacken festival in Germany.

Lemmy, 67, who had a defibrillator fitted earlier this year to address heart problems, later revealed he’d been advised by doctors to stop performing. But he’s vowed to be back on stage next year.

He says in a statement:

“MOTORHEAD has had to postpone the forthcoming European tour until early 2014. We have made the decision because I am not quite ready to hit the road yet, and am working my way back to full fitness and rude health.

“Don’t worry – I’m not about to start promoting veganism and alcohol-free beverages, but it is fair to say that I personally have been reconfiguring areas of my life to make sure I can come back fitter and stronger than ever.

“It disappointed me tremendously to have to say I wasn’t quite ready to hit the road yet, but not nearly as much as it would have disappointed me to go out, play some average shows and watch my health give way long before the tour was over.

“When people come to see a MOTORHEAD tour, they expect a MOTORHEAD show, and that is exactly what you will get as soon as I am fit and ready to rumble.”

The veteran frontman adds that he’s “getting stronger and stronger every day” and thanks fans for their support and understanding.