Frank Ocean Australian Tour Cancelled After Vocal Cord Damage

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.

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