The Darkness has cancelled their upcoming Australian tour due to drummer Ed Graham’s health concerns.
As noted in an official statement concerning the cancellation, Graham underwent hip surgery a few years ago and now the drummer is once again experiencing complications in that area.
In the statement the band explains that they will finish out their remaining European tour dates before cancelling the rest of their Antipodean Tour so that Graham can “undergo some advised rest and tests”.
The statement also informs ticket holders that refunds are available from point of purchase. Hordern Pavilion have also posted on Facebook that ticket holders can obtain refunds from Ticketek Australia.
The Darkness were scheduled to tour Australia next month alongside rock n’ roll royalty Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Although there is no official word on when the dates will be made up, The Darkness assures fans they will be “seeing you all as soon as possible”.
You can read the full statement below.
The Darkness – Antipodean Tour Cancellation Statement
“It is with great regret that we are having to cancel The Darkness’ planned April dates in Australia / New Zealand. As some of you maybe aware, Ed has had some prior history with hip problems, which resulted in extensive surgery a few years ago, and caused him to miss some US dates in 2012. Unfortunately, over the course of the past few weeks’ touring, Ed has been feeling that all is not right in that department, and has been advised to undergo some rest & tests before potentially taking a backwards step and making matters worse.
He will continue with the last few European shows and will then be forced to take some time out immediately to ensure him back to 100% fitness. This very sadly results in the immediate cancellation of the Antipodean tour. We will of course look to reschedule dates into our scheduling and itinerary as soon as possible but have nothing solid to be able to make work currently hence this being a cancellation rather than a postponement. All ticket holders can get refunds from the point of purchase.
The Darkness also feel that to visit countries which do not get enough shows by them as it is, and not have the full, proper and original band line-up, is simply not the right thing to do. To that end there won’t be any possibility for stand in’s or alternative Ed’s for these shows and we won’t be touring with any ersatz model!
We hope to have details of re-scheduled shows very soon. The Darkness sends its most heartfelt apologies to everyone involved and look forward to seeing you all as soon as possible.”
