Slayer have been forced to postpone their forthcoming UK and European tour due to bassist Tom Araya's persistent back injury.

Despite being on a course of medication for the injury, the pain has become too much for the band member forcing him to pull out of the tour scheduled to start on Wednesday (November 18).

The UK dates postponed are in Manchester, London, Nottingham, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham.

The rearranged dates are as follows.

• Manchester, Academy – March 7
• London, Forum – 8, 9
• Nottingham, Rock City – April 2
• Glasgow, Barrowland – 3
• Leeds, Academy – 4
• Birmingham - 5

(by David Renshaw)