HATEBREED have pulled out of the first two dates of the upcoming Headbanger’s Ball Tour, with DAMAGEPLAN, DROWNING POOL, and UNEARTH, following the death of their manager Steve Richards. The band issued the following statement on their website:

“This past Sunday, March 21st, we all lost a very special person, a visionary and a true music guy, Steve Richards, our manager, the founder of No Name Worldwide. He was many things to many people, a soul mate, mentor, leader, confidante, brother, and son. His spirit will continue to inspire the ones he blessed with his amazing passion he had for living life.

“We would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for Steve. He helped us when no one else would and we loved him like a brother. May he Rest In Peace.

“Due to this horrible loss. HATEBREED has postponed their appearance on the IMX show and the first two shows of the Headbanger’s Ball Tour. HATEBREED will now start the tour this Saturday March. 27th in Winston-Salem, NC.”