Why did Animals As Leaders cancel 2025 tour dates? Reason explained

Progressive metal trio Animals As Leaders have officially cancelled their entire run of international tour dates for the remainder of 2025 following a serious injury to drummer Matt Garstka.

The newly announced cancellation affects previously scheduled shows across Mexico, South America, and Australia in August and September 2025. The band confirmed the news in an official statement issued via social media on July 30, 2025.

Fans had been anticipating the band's return to their regions with a celebration of the 10th anniversary of The Joy of Motion. Animals As Leaders' Garstka sustained an arm injury that will require surgery and an extended recovery time. No specific details were shared about the nature of the injury. However, it was described as serious enough to make him unable to perform for some months.

Animals As Leaders shared the tour cancellation announcement via an official Instagram post, which read:

"To our fans in Mexico, South America, and Australia, we have some unfortunate news. We are going to have to cancel our upcoming tour dates. Matt sustained a serious arm injury that requires surgery, and there is no way we can perform without him."

The post continued:

"Rather than leave things up in the air, we are calling it now and putting our full focus into writing the next Animals As Leaders album. New material is already in the works, and we will have more to share soon.

"We know this news sucks – especially for those of you who have been waiting a long time to see us live. Canceling is not something we take lightly. Thank you for sticking with us. We'll make it back to your cities with new music and a set that hits even harder. Respect, Animals As Leaders"

Fans who had purchased tickets for the affected shows are advised to contact local ticketing outlets for refund options. For Mexican tour stops, ticket buyers can email [email protected] or use WhatsApp at +51 33 1803 5411. Presale access codes or general sale information for the cancelled Australian leg are no longer applicable.

Animals As Leaders were formed in 2007 by guitarist Tosin Abasi. Alongside Abasi and rhythm guitarist Javier Reyes, drummer Matt Garstka has been a key member since 2012. He has contributed to three of the band's five studio albums.

Cancelled tour dates of Animals As Leaders

The now-cancelled 2025 international tour was originally set to begin in Mexico on August 20, 2025, and end in Perth, Australia, on September 21, 2025. Below is the full list of affected dates:

Mexico & South America

• Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico – Teatro Metropolitano
• Friday, August 22, 2025 – Mexico City, Mexico
• Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Zapopan, Mexico
• Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – São Paulo, Brazil
• Thursday, August 28, 2025 – Santiago, Chile
• Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Abasto, Argentina

Australian leg

• Friday, September 12, 2025 – Adelaide, SA – Hindley Street Music Hall (with Car Bomb)
• Sunday, September 14, 2025 – Brisbane, QLD – The Tivoli (with Car Bomb)
• Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Melbourne, VIC – Forum Theatre (with Car Bomb)
• Friday, September 19, 2025 – Sydney, NSW – Enmore Theatre (with Car Bomb)
• Sunday, September 21, 2025 – Perth, WA – Magnet House (with Car Bomb)

All Australian dates were part of the Joy in Motion X tour, which was set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Joy of Motion. Keep an eye on the official Animals As Leaders pages for further updates.

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