Hoobastank guitarist Dan Estrin suffered a skull fracture in a motorbike accident on August 27th, forcing the band to cancel the remainder of its summer tour. Estrin underwent surgery and is listed in serious but stable condition.

The band was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina when Estrin veered his bike into a roped-off area near the band's buses. The rope caught the guitarist in the chest and pulled him from his motorbike. The fracture caused a blood clot near Estrin's right temple, which required surgery to remove.

The band initially cancelled five dates, with plans to resume touring on September 4th, but then decided to call off the remainder of their club tour, which was to run through September 25th in Santa Cruz, California. "The only thing on my mind right now is for Dan to get healthy and back on his feet," singer Doug Robb said. "He's going to be all right, and we promise that we'll make it up to our fans soon in these cities."

Hoobastank's second album, which remains untitled, is still scheduled for release on December 2nd. The first single, "Out of Control," was produced by Howard Benson (P.O.D.) and will hit radio on October 6th.

MARC W. DOLECH
(August 29, 2003)