Green Day cancel tour dates, reschedule album release

Fall 2012 was supposed to be the beginning of an extended victory lap for Green Day. With one album already out and a second on the way, they were meant to be in the midst of a club tour that would lead directly into a massive arena tour.

But frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's rehab stint has derailed much of that. Having already called off a bunch of appearances, the band announced this morning that they have canceled the remainder of their 2012 appearances and are postponing a total of 21 dates in January and February.

"Obviously the timing for this isn't ideal, but Billie Joe's well-being is our main concern," Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt said in a statement sent out by the band's publicist this morning. "We are happy to say that Billie Joe is doing well, and we want to thank you all for the outpouring of support and well wishes that we have received, and we can't wait to see you all again soon."

It's not necessarily all bad news for Green Day, as they also announced that Tre!, the third album in their trilogy, will be released on Dec. 11, about a month earlier than its original Jan. 15, 2013 date. Meanwhile, Dos!, the second album in the trilogy, is still on track to be released on Nov. 13.

Meanwhile, the band got a shout-out over the weekend from Metallica, who replaced Green Day as the headliner of last weekend's Voodoo Festival in New Orleans. Frontman James Hetfield dedicated "Battery" to Armstrong, and in the midst of their encore, Hetfield played the opening chords of "American Idiot." "We can't play that song," Hetfield told the crowd. "They're getting it sorted out; hopefully they'll get it fixed because the world needs them."

Read More on EW.com:

Green Day talks rehab, releases 'Dos!' tracklist

Green Day among artists on 'Breaking Dawn — Part 2' soundtrack

Alanis Morissette covers Green Day's 'Basket Case' in support of Billie Joe Armstrong: Watch it here