Fans who’ve already been waiting 16 years to see The Avalanches live in concert will be forced to wait a little longer, because the Melbourne electrolords have been forced to postpone their run of international tour dates to treat a health issue within their ranks.
Keyboardist, bassist and backing vocalist Tony Di Blasi is dealing with a medical condition that requires treatment here in Australia, and – according to a statement on the band’s official Facebook page – he’s been “advised against international travel for the next few months”.
The news will impact the band’s scheduled tour dates in Europe, including their slots at the Netherlands’ Lowlands Festival, France’s Fort de Saint-Pére and Sweden’s Way Out West Festival, which have all been postponed.
However, there’s good news for Aussie fans: the homegrown DJ crew are still set to perform their epic hour-long set at Splendour In The Grass – as well as their headlining set at the official Byron Bay pre-party – as scheduled.
The lads recently opened up about why it took them almost two decades to release their new sophomore LP Wildflower, with band member departures, lawsuits and sampling clearance issues all playing a part.
However, health concerns were also a major contributing factor, with fellow Avalanches member Robbie Chater being diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases simultaneously, which knocked him out of action for a decent chunk of time.
Read the band’s full statement regarding their latest tour postponement below.
UPDATE 19/07/16: The Avalanches have now cancelled their scheduled slot at Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival, citing health problems. The appearance was meant to take place on Sunday, 24th July, after the band’s set at Splendour In The Grass 2016 on Friday, 22nd July.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Fuji Rock organisers say, “We are sad to inform you that THE AVALANCHES, scheduled to perform at the Red Marquee on 7/24 (Sun), have unfortunately been forced to cancel their performance due to artist health issues. Our sincere apologies to those who were looking forward to their performance.”
