UPDATE 14/07/16: The Jezabels have announced a rescheduled Synthia national album tour for this October.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Jezabels have announced the cancellation of their upcoming world tour, as keyboardist Heather Shannon requires further medical treatment for ovarian cancer.
In a statement, The Jezabels say they’ve decided not to tour without Ms Shannon, who was diagnosed with “a unique type of ovarian cancer” three years ago.
“Although she has been able to maintain life as usual generally, between treatments, the time has come for her to undergo further immediate treatment which will require her to stay in Sydney,” the band says.
“We were very excited to be hitting the road again in support of our third album, Synthia, but sadly due to a sudden turn of events Heather’s condition requires attention now so touring in the proposed time frame is no longer possible.”
Addressing fans personally, Ms Shannon says:
Up until now, I have preferred to not let this diagnosis get in the way of getting on with life. I feel a deep frustration at this new roadblock, as I now have to take a step back and undergo treatment.
The band means so much to me, and cancelling the tour has been a very sad decision. I am hopeful that in the near future we will be back on the road again playing music we love. This album means so much to us, and we were so looking forward to sharing it live with everyone.
Having said that, I feel very lucky to be in the care of the public health system here in Australia. I have met many inspiring people and I am receiving the best treatment possible… Thank you for reading. See you on the road soon you lovely people!
In closing, Ms Shannon says a lot is being done for ovarian cancer research and awareness, and encourages fans who wish to share their support to check out Ovarian Cancer Australia and the Australian New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group.
The Jezabels’ Synthia national tour was set to kick off in Melbourne on 26th February, and also included dates in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Triple j understands The Jezabels will no longer play New South Wales’ Mountain Sounds Festival in February either.
Refunds for Synthia tour ticket-holders will be available from the point of purchase, and fans are being urged to contact ticketing groups for more details.
Fans who pre-ordered copies of Synthia with their tickets will still receive the album, which is due for release on 12th February. Catch The Jezabels’ full statement and cancelled tour dates, below.
Our hearts at Music Feeds go out to the Jezabels family and we wish Heather Shannon a speedy recovery.
The Jezabels’ scheduled world tour has been cancelled until further notice due to the health of keyboardist Heather... Posted by The Jezabels on Thursday, 21 January 2016
