Rock Star Supernova [ tickets ] bassist Jason Newsted was injured while trying to catch a 90-pound bass head that fell from atop his amplifier, and could be sidelined for up to nine months.

According to a press release issued Monday (10/23), Newsted "is scheduled for immediate surgery to repair a torn anterior labrum in his left shoulder and a rotator cuff and bicep tear in the right," after which he faces lengthy rehabilitation process.

Newsted, formerly of Metallica, said in a press statement: "I'm freaking out, my heart was set on finally getting on the road with these guys but my main focus now is to build myself back to 100 percent. The stage is set for the band, I wish them the best of luck."

The group also features drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) and guitarist Gilby Clarke (formerly of Guns N' Roses), as well as frontman Lukas Rossi, who earned his job on the recently concluded season of the CBS-TV reality/talent show "Rock Star: Supernova." The trio is currently searching for someone to take over on bass during Newsted's recovery.

"When we started this project, I was handed a list of names--guys who could potentially anchor our rhythm section," Lee said in a press release. "I responded by crumpling up the paper and asking, 'Where's Newsted?' 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. As for who will handle bass duties until then, we've got a few monster guys in mind, any one of which can hit the ground running. Stay tuned."

The band will make its live debut with a two-night stand in Las Vegas that opens on New Year's Eve, and will be followed by a full-blown North American tour that launches in mid-January.

The group's self-titled debut album, which was recorded with producer Butch Walker, is due in stores Nov. 21.