British glam rockers The Darkness have been forced to cancel their upcoming tour of Australia with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
The news follows our recent interview with Justin Hawkins, in which the frontman admitted band members are still feuding, and described their first tour together after a five year hiatus as "unbearable".
However, band’s management has released a statement which expressed regret at the decision to axe the tour, and blamed an ongoing hip problem affecting drummer Ed Graham rather than the old 'artistic differences' chestnut.
"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," the statement read.
The band has ruled out touring with a stand-in drummer, saying "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."
Although they plan to reschedule the tour when Graham has returned to complete fitness, they "have nothing solid" to work with yet so all tickets will be refunded.
The news is a double blow for rock 'n' roll fans who were also looking forward to Joan Jett’s appearance - her visit to Australia has now also been canned.
- Jenny Noyes
