One week after revealing they'd soon start recording a new album with producer Steve Albini in Chicago, North Carolina grime metallers Weedeater were forced to put those plans on hold after frontman Dave Collins shot off one of his big toes. The accident has also forced the band to nix several live dates which were scheduled to kick off later this month.

Collins, who also plays bass in Weedeater, shot himself in the foot while cleaning his favorite shotgun. Seriously. Weedeater issued a statement on the matter, saying, "As most of you know, here in the Weedeater camp we pride ourselves on a long tradition of shooting our band in the proverbial foot right before we're supposed to do something important. Whether it's a big tour, a recording session, or whatever else we're supposed to do, invariably, we will find some way to try and thwart our grandiose plans. Well, it's no different for this recording session, except that this time we really did shoot ourselves in the foot."

Collins, nicknamed Dixie Dave, shot one of his big toes straight off. Of course, this wasn't his intention. "This really f---ing sucks and the pain is unbearable," Collins says in a statement. Doctors have advised Collins to remain in bed for the next few weeks, to aid his recovery. The band plans to make up the postponed gigs this spring. Once those concerts have been played, the band will meet up with Albini to get cracking on the new disc.

This isn't the first medical emergency that's derailed the band's plans. Before a tour with Down and the Melvins, drummer Keko severed a tendon in his pinkie, and guitarist Shep broke his hand before a trek with Today Is the Day. "And now, Dixie has generously offered up his big toe for Steve Albini to nibble on," the band joked. "Unless overtly fond of Limburger cheese and rotten flesh, Master Steve is advised to decline."

More From Noisecreep