The Fratellis, the acclaimed Scottish rock group, have announced the cancellation of their highly anticipated anniversary tour due to illness.
In a released statement, the band cited “ongoing health issues” affecting lead singer Jon Fratelli, necessitating a period of rest and recovery as advised by medical professionals.
The Glasgow-based band, renowned for their chart-topping singles “Chelsea Dagger” and “Whistle for the Choir,” assured fans that the tour will be rescheduled, with new dates to be revealed shortly. Existing tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled performances. The band also confirmed that scheduled summer appearances, including the TRNSMT festival, are expected to proceed as planned.
The now-cancelled tour had generated significant excitement, with 15 of the 17 scheduled shows across the UK, including two finale performances at the O2 Academy in Glasgow, having already sold out.
Dubbed the “Costello Music 20th Anniversary Tour,” the series of concerts was intended to commemorate two decades since the release of their seminal debut album, “Costello Music.”
The statement alluded to past health challenges faced by the band in their early years, stating that they had overcome a “far more serious medical obstacle that should have ended our dream there and then”.
The band affirmed their resolve, stating they “point blank refused to accept that we couldn’t do what we’d set out to do”.
They further added: “With a wee bit of time we’ll now do what we did then… whatever it takes to get back onstage as quickly as possible, playing music for anyone who loves our thing as much as we do.”
“We were blown away by the reaction to this tour and can only promise that we are as disappointed as you at having to wait a little longer to celebrate Costello Music’s 20th birthday.”
“We’ll do everything possible to announce the new dates ASAP.”
The Fratellis are still scheduled to perform at Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival in June.
Released in 2006, “Costello Music” achieved considerable commercial success, peaking at number two on the UK Albums Chart.
The band supported the album with an international tour and went on to win the Brit Award for Best British Breakthrough Act in 2007.
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