Rock band Keane has cancelled its previously postponed fall North American tour to accommodate lead singer Tom Chaplin’s rehabilitation therapy for drug and alcohol abuse.

According to a post on the band’s website on Friday, Chaplin is not well enough to return to the road.

“Obviously it’s crucial that Tom is given the time to get better properly,” wrote Keane pianist Tim Rice-Oxley. “With the first dates in America only a fortnight away, his doctors feel there is undue pressure on Tom to rush through rehab and get back out on the road.”

“That’s why, between the three of us, we’ve decided to cancel the North American tour,” Rice-Oxley said. “We’d like to apologize to the fans who’ve bought tickets, but we’ve done this in the best interests of our friend — which, ultimately, is in the best interests of the band too.”

While the North American dates have been cancelled, a European tour is still on for October and November.

“We’ll be keeping in close touch with Tom and his doctors about how he’s progressing and we’ll keep you posted,” Rice-Oxley added.






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