Celebrated US rock group have cancelled their British tour which was due to start in the Oxford Academy last night (September 29th).

The band were due to play a massive UK tour to promote current album 'Stay Positive' but those dates have been cancelled, with the group yet to explain why. Internet rumor has suggested that several members may be suffering from an unspecified illness - perhaps the same cold that has waylayed 50% of the Clash office!

However, in a new statement the band have confirmed that guitarist Tad Kubler is suffering from pancreatitis and has now been hospitalized. Get well soon Tad!

'Stay Positive' has been one of the most praised albums of 2008, entering the UK album charts at number 15 - the band's highest entry to date. A mixture of classic songwriting with a genuine rock crunch, the album is perhaps The Hold Steady's best to date with singer Craig Finn's lyrics resembling pages from the Great American Novel.

The Hold Steady were due to play the following dates, which have all been cancelled:

September 29th - Oxford Academy
September 30th - Manchester Academy
October 1st - Glasgow ABC
October 2nd - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
October 4th - Bristol Anson Rooms
October 5th - Nottingham Rock City
October 6th - Portsmouth Pyramids
October 8th - London Roundhouse

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