(Rock News Desk) Slayer frontman Tom Araya was rushed to hospital in Australia on Saturday night after the band's first concert with stand-in guitarist Gary Holt.

The thrash giants decided to leave axeman Jeff Hanneman at home to recover from flesh-eating bug necrotising fasciitis, because they'd already cancelled dozens of shows during 2009 and 2010 due to Araya's back problems.

But they managed just one show of their Australian tour – in Brisbane, on the first night of the touring Soundwave festival– before Araya required medical attention once again. Festival organisers say Araya contracted a severe ear infection, which they hope will clear up in a few days. It's not known whether the band will be able to appear at the three remaining shows of the tour.

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