Apparently, Johnny Van Zant couldn't stomach another day on the road.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was forced to alter its touring plans after its frontman underwent an emergency operation Thursday night to have his appendix removed.

According to the band's camp, the 46-year-old "Free Bird" singer went under the knife around 10 p.m. at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California after complaining of severe abdominal pain. He'll be out of commission for at least a week as part of his recuperation.

"Mr. Johnny Van Zant underwent surgery at Stanford University Hospital for appendicitis. He will remain hospitalized for the next one or two days recovering," physician James T. Badger said in a statement released by Skynyrd's publicist.

After giving Van Zant an ultrasound on Thursday, doctors told him his appendix was inflamed and had to be taken out immediately, necessitating the surgery.

As a result, the legendary Dixie rockers announced the cancellation of three stops on their latest trek--a show at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California on Friday, a gig at the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California on Saturday and a concert at Sunset Station Casino in Henderson, Nevada on Sunday. It's not yet known whether those dates will be made up.

"I would like to thank all my friends and fans who have expressed concern and sent their prayers," Van Zant said. "I look forward to getting back on the road."

The crooner will also miss Tuesday's Academy of Country Music Awards. He and brother, Donnie, are up for Duo of the Year for their collaborative effort as "Van Zant."

After seven nominations Lynyrd Skynyrd was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March. Upon accepting the honor, current band members paid touching tribute to Skynrd's original singer and Johnny's older brother, Ronnie Van Zant, who was killed in a tragic plane crash in 1977, along with guitarist Steven Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines and road manager Dean Kilpatrick.

The group, famed for such classic rock staples as "Freebird," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Gimme Three Steps," reunited in 1987 and soldiered on, with Johnny assuming vocal chores. They continue to be a workhorse on the road, playing hundreds of shows each year.