Mastodon Guitarist In Hospital

Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher is in a London, England hospital being treated for an unknown illness.

Kelliher has been in hospital since Nov. 3, and reportedly hadn't been feeling well since he arrived in the country. (Hopefully it's nothing like what happened with singer/guitarist Brent Hinds last year.)

Little is known about Kelliher's ailment, and a message on the band's website says that "doctors will continue to monitor his condition which is improving at press time."

Despite being one man down, Mastodon are continuing on with the European Unholy Alliance Chapter III Tour with Slayer, Trivium and Amon Amarth. The band hope to have Kelliher back for their European headlining tour that kicks off on Nov. 30.

In the meantime, fans can look forward to the release of a Mastodon vinyl box set that's due out Nov. 18 through Relapse. The limited-edition set of nine LPs will feature the band's entire catalogue, beginning with their 2001 Lifesblood EP and ending with 2006's Blood Mountain. Covers of songs by Metallica, Thin Lizzy and the Melvins will also be included along with a live disc featuring their performance at the 2003 Relapse Contamination Festival.

You'll also get a few bonus goodies, including a Mastodon turntable mat, a vinyl sticker set and an embroidered patch with the band's logo on it.

Mastodon are no longer with Relapse and have signed with Reprise, which will issue their fourth album, Crack The Skye, early next year.