Frank Ocean has cancelled the remaining dates on his Australian tour, including his headlining set at this weekend’s Splendour In The Grass, after doctors confirmed he had damaged his vocal chords.
After rumours began swirling this morning, the cancellation was confirmed by tour promoters Live Nation and Niche Productions late this afternoon. In a statement, organisers said that doctors had ordered the Lost singer to rest his voice, making the completion of his Australian touring commitments “impossible”:
“After last night’s concert in Melbourne at Festival Hall, it was necessary to seek medical advice due to vocal issues Frank Ocean experienced during the show.
“It has subsequently been confirmed that Frank has suffered a small tear to one of his vocal chords and has received medical advice that he must rest his voice.
“This makes the completion of his remaining Australian dates impossible.”
The statement goes on to say that, due to previous touring commitments, Ocean will be unable to reschedule the shows but that organisers are working hard to provide a return date “as soon as is practical”.
Splendour In The Grass organisers say they are “devastated” by the news, reminding people that in Ocean’s absence the festival still has plenty to offer those who came to see the Odd Future cohort.
There has been no word on whether already purchased tickets will be valid for future dates, and full refund details have been provided. Those who purchased tickets online will be automatically refunded to the credit or debit card used, and refunds for physical purchases will be issued upon presentation of photo ID at the point of sale.
It’s been a run of tough luck for Frank Ocean’s Australian fans. Last year, the singer cancelled his appearance at Future Music Festival to concentrate on promoting his highly praised debut record, Channel Orange.
FasterLouder is reporting that Splendour plan to put “Mystery Band” Alt-J in Ocean’s Sunday night headlining slot.
Gallery: 16 15 bands we’re definitely seeing at Splendour this weekend
16 Splendour Bands We're Definitely Seeing This Weekend
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Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean - Let's get him out of the way first. Face it: this is who we're all absolutely frothing over. Ocean's set is going to be the talk of Splendour! -
Portugal The Man
Portugal. The Man - Should be a perfect breather set before a big Friday night of headliners -
Wavves
Wavves - Surfer thrash psych pop to jump around and warm your bones to -
Dune Rats
Dune Rats - Because if Wavves don't bring it, you know the Rats will! -
Haim
Haim - These ladies are hotter than hot right now, and their live shows are said to take on the atmosphere of a warm LA night in 1970 -
Babyshambles
Babyshambles - Because it looks like this is our only chance for a while! -
Villagers
Villagers - Literate folk pop for a chilled start to Saturday arvo -
Jake Bugg
Jake Bugg - This dude just stopped by Music Feeds Studio and played the most electrifying solo set. Can't wait to see him in full band mode! -
Alison Wonderland
Alison Wonderland - A.Dubya knows how to put on a party, and keep it going well into the night (and she's as excited about us as being there!) -
SurferBloodByCarbieWarbie001
Surfer Blood - A couple of solid sideshows have got everybody buzzing about Surfer Blood's live presence and how much they enjoy themselves onstage -
Jagwar Ma
Jagwar Ma - Aussie boys done good OS get the first chance to deliver on the hype behind their debut album 'Howlin' -
The Growl
The Growl - Along with Tame Impala and Pond, these lads form WA's psych rock triumvirate. Sure to be impressively loud -
The Jungle Giants
The Jungle Giants - This set will be a well-polished affair, the band having just left the studio with their debut album firmly in hand -
Everything Everything
Everything Everything - The UK indie lads latest record 'Arc' is an absolute treat, and sure to translate to a powerful performance -
Jamesblake
James Blake - The electro soul of 'Overgrown' in the Mixup Stage will either break us (in a good way) or revitalise us for the long journey home -
Of Monsters And Men Promo
Of Monsters And Men - They might have been here already this year, but we missed them, alright? Get off our backs, jeez! We're making up for that big mistake this time round.