This tour has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. To be able to connect with so many people (strangers who know nothing, but understand everything) through ART is an event so profound that there are no words to truly articulate and express the experience.
Most people know that the band and I give 2000 percent of ourselves on stage and though the medical professionals have warned me to "take it easy up there" or I risk serious damage to my throat, it is not something I am aware of while lost in the experience of spiritual intercourse.
Truth be told, I know only 2 speeds -- ALL or NOTHING.
Well, there's good news & tragic news. The tragic news is: due to the inflammation and reappearance of the throat polyps, we are forced to reschedule the remaining dates on this tour. The band and I are devastated by the news, but it's either reschedule now or risk losing the ability to sing altogether. I am so sorry but there is no other way.
The good news is, the doctors think we have caught it early enough and with a bit of rest, I should be good as new again. Indeed, it worked after the last tour with Hellyeah, I took some time off, the polyp all but disappeared and we were able to go back out on the road again. I am told the same thing should happen but I am also following up with a specialist to see what else, with regards to prevention, can be done.
Our management and agents are working hard to reschedule these shows this summer, so though a bit of a delay, won't be too much longer.
On behalf of the band and myself (and the dreaded polyp), I offer my apologies and my appreciation for your understanding, belief, and support.
The first PRINTED collection of poetry and illustrations by recording artist & poet Otep Shamaya.
It can be downloaded as an electronic book OR you can order it in BOOK form that will be mailed to you. It can be purchased using Debit/Credit Card or PayPal account.
CAUGHT SCREAMING includes over 140 pages of previously unpublished poems, private illustrations, & a blank diary section at the end of the book for buyers to add their own thoughts, poems, dreams, rants, & raves.
PS. THE BAND DOES NOT SCHEDULE THESE MEET & GREETS - IF YOU WANT ONE NEAR YOU THEN CONTACT HOT TOPIC AND LET THEM KNOW YOU WANT A MEET & GREET WITH OTEP IN YOUR CITY!!
IT WAS A LAST MINUTE SHOW, ON A SUNDAY NIGHT, THE POLICE CAME, THEY TRIED TO SHUT US DOWN -- AND YOU STAYED WITH US -- SCREAMING, SINGING, & SENDING ALL OF OUR SPIRITS SOARING!!
"NO CURSING ON STAGE" -- THEY SAID.
"KEEP THE VOLUME DOWN" -- THEY SAID.
"WELL" -- I SAID -- "I WAS TOLD THAT ABILENE IS THE BIG OLE BUCKLE OF THE BIBLE BELT --- BUT --- THIS IS STILL AMERICA. AND THOUGH, I AM NOT A REPUBLICAN, OR A CHRISTIAN, I AM STILL AN AMERICAN!! AND I STILL HAVE THE RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH!"
THEY CUT THE PA SPEAKERS -- SO I KICKED OVER THE MONITORS ON STAGE SO THEY FACED THE AUDIENCE AND WE COULD KEEP THE SHOW GOING.
AND YOU STAYED WITH US.
THE COPS CAME BACK. BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. WHAT'S DONE IS DONE. THANK YOU FOR STANDING, AS CITIZENS, FOR WHAT IS RIGHT. YOU WERE FANTASTIC.
EVERYONE ... SPREAD THE WORD: WE WILL NOT BE SILENT. WE REMAIN DEFIANT.
YOU WERE COURAGEOUS, SPIRITED, INTENSE, INSANE, BRUTAL, BEAUTIFUL, & STRANGE!!! I HAD SO MUCH FUN TONIGHT. THANK YOU FOR COMING OUT AND SHOWING US WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF. IT WAS EXQUISITE!!
SO WHO'S NEXT TO IGNITE THE CEREBRAL FIRES??? I LOOK FORWARD TO IT.
