After a long, ratings-fuelled search for a lead singer, reality television all-star band Rock Star Supernova are again looking for a new member.

Bassist Jason Newsted was involved in an accident that has left him unable to play for the foreseeable future. The former Metallica member, who also plays bass in Montreal metal band Voivod, was hurt as he attempted to catch a 40-kilogram piece of equipment as it fell from his amplifier. The result was a torn rotator cuff and an injured bicep and shoulder. He’ll undergo surgery followed by extensive rehabilitation that could sideline him for up to nine months.

No replacement for Newsted has been named, but band drummer (and Motley Crue member) Tommy Lee says they’ve “got a few monster guys in mind, any one of which can hit the ground running,” to fill in for Newsted until he can return.

“Jason was always the right guy for this band and we’ll miss having him with us as we kick off our album and tour, but we know he’ll be back as soon as he can pick up and play.”

Lee, along with guitarist Gilby Clarke (formerly of Guns N’ Roses) and Canadian show winner Lukas Rossi will press forward as a band, with plans for a 27-city tour beginning on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas. Their debut album will be released on November 21 by Epic Records.

Rossi and Clarke will make their first Canadian appearance together at the Gemini Awards in Toronto on November 4. The show will air at 9:30 p.m. on Global and feature guest presenters Evangeline Lilly (Lost), Brent Butt (Corner Gas), Nicholas Campbell (Da Vinci’s Inquest) and Shawn Ashmore (X-Men).

While Voivod have no scheduled tour dates, here are the Canadian Rock Star Supernova shows that Newsted will miss:

    * January 23 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
    * January 24 Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
    * February 19 Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

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