Depeche Mode Cancel O2 Arena Show

Dave Gahan on the mend

Electro rock giants Depeche Mode have been forced to cancel their upcoming show at the O2 Arena.

Depeche Mode’s new world tour looks set to get back on the road soon, but fans in Britain have been left disappointed after the band were forced to cancel an upcoming date in London’s O2 Arena due to singer Dave Gahan’s ongoing health problems.

The group launched their world tour in Tel Aviv, Israel with a spectacular show. New album ‘Sounds Of The Universe’ was hailed as a return to form by fans, with Depeche Mode keen to flex their muscles in the live arena.

However shortly before stage time at a show in Athens, singer Dave Gahan took ill backstage. Rushed to hospital, a dose of stomach flu was diagnosed with the frontman being ordered to rest.

This lead to a number of shows being cancelled, with Depeche Mode’s upcoming London visit being only the latest victim. Due to take place on May 30th, fans have been advised to keep hold of their tickets with an announcement expected soon on a possible re-scheduled date.

A statement from the band reads:

“Dave Gahan sincerely thanks his fans for their support, understanding and patience.
Depeche Mode deeply regret any problems or inconveniences the cancellations and postponements may have caused.”

In a further twist the band announced that Dave Gahan was much more ill than was at first thought. According to a statement from Depeche Mode the singer undertook tests while in hospital, with doctors finding a low­ grade malignant tumour in his bladder.

After an operation Dave Gahan was ordered to take a break until June 8th in order to give his body time to heal. All shows due to take place before that date are now cancelled, with the band also forced to drop out of the Pink Pop festival.

According to the band:

“Every effort continues to be made to reschedule these shows and more time is needed to resolve venue availability and routing. A final decision is expected early next week, at which time a statement will be made with regards to either a rescheduled date or final cancellation.”

Depeche Mode have already begun preparing to resume the tour, with a show in Leipzig, Germany set to be the band’s first date with a fit again Dave Gahan.

Depeche Mode’s new album ‘Sounds Of The Universe’ is available now.

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