Sum 41 have been forced to pull out of the upcoming Kerrang! Tour, sponsored by Relentless Energy Drink, leaving Welsh rockers The Blackout to take the reigns.

Frontman Deryck Whibley has been suffering from a back injury and will not be well enough to perform on the 11-date UK and Ireland tour, which stops off at Bristol O2 Academy on February 10 and Cardiff University Great Hall on February 11.

“I feel really terrible about letting down the fans,” says Deryck. “I injured my back and the doctors are saying that I could be in a wheelchair. So, as much as I wanted to be able to do it, I’ve got to look at reality, and for the first time I’ve got to listen to somebody else and not just myself. We’re all really upset about this; we’ve had such a great relationship with our UK fans. We were really looking forward to thistour.”

Kerrang! has also apologised to fans but say the rest of the line-up is unaffected. Editor James McMahon said: “Kerrang! are really gutted to lose Sum 41 from what will be an unforgettable tour. Let’s be honest, the news totally blows. However the tour must go on and we’re chuffed to say we’ve found a more than worthy replacement. We’re absolutely delighted to announce that The Blackout have offered to step up to the plate and will be taking to the stage with New Found Glory, letlive. and While She Sleeps in February.”

“We’re delighted to step in for Sum 41 at the last minute!” says The Blackout’s co-vocalist Sean Smith. “We’ve played the tour once before [in 2010] and we know what a total laugh it is. But hopefully Sum 41 fans won’t try and murder us! This should be a really, really great tour and we’re all really excited to watch the other bands every night.”