LONDON--Iron Maiden [ tickets ] guitarist Janick Gers was seriously injured when he fell more than ten feet from the stage at the group's show in Manheim, Germany, on Saturday (7/8). The accident occurred after the band returned to the stage to play their encores and Gers lost his footing halfway through his first guitar solo and landed on the concrete floor in the photographers' pit.

Knocked unconscious, Gers was rushed to a hospital, where he required six stitches for a gash on his forehead. Doctors said he also had sprained his back and suffered severe bruising. He has now returned to London and has been advised to take a full week off to recover.

Due to his injuries, Iron Maiden had to cancel its show in Essen, Germany, on Sunday (7/9) as well as upcoming shows in Sophia, Bulgaria (7/12), and Athens, Greece (7/14). The group's European tour will resume at the Vilar De Mouros Festival in Portugal on Sunday (7/16). North American dates, which begin in Toronto on August 1 (and feature Queensryche & Rob Halford as openers) are currently unaffected by Gers' injuries.

Frontman Steve Harris said in a statement: "We are always very disappointed when we are forced to cancel shows in this way, but we are also relieved that Janick is recovering, as it was a serious fall. Right now all we can say is sorry to our fans in Germany, Bulgaria and Greece, but I'm sure they can understand the reason and will also wish Janick a quick recovery."

Iron Maiden also added three dates U.K. arena dates for November which will follow their extensive North American run. They will play at the SECC in Glasgow, Scotland (11/2), Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester, England (11/3) and the NEC in Birmingham, England (11/4).