Electro rock giants Depeche Mode have been forced to cancel a second date on their world tour, as lead singer Dave Gahan is still unwell.
Depeche Mode opened their world tour in Tel Aviv, Israel recently. The group have only just released their new album ‘Sounds Of The Universe’, which is a stunning return from the electro legends.
The band have confirmed a number of festival appearances throughout the summer, including a headlining slot at Lollapalooza in Chicago. Depeche Mode remain huge throughout the United States, where they are revered as electronic godfathers. A recent North American tour was a massive success, with the band taking super Swedes Peter, Bjorn and John along for the ride.
Depeche Mode are set to play the O2 Arena in London on May 30th, and were rumoured to be in line to headline Glastonbury. However the band turned down the Somerset event, claiming the bill does not match how they view themselves.
The band have also unveiled plans to film a tour documentary with photographer and film maker Anton Corbijn. The director previously worked on the acclaimed ‘Joy Division’ movie with noted journalist Jon Savage.
However those plans could be thrown up in the air after lead singer Dave Gahan came down unwell before a show in Greece. The performance in Athens had to be scrapped, with the band preparing to go onstage when Gahan had to be rushed to hospital.
Fans were obviously concerned, and it was later revealed that the singer was suffering from gastroenteritis. As a result of the illness, a further show in the Turkish capital of Istanbul has also been cancelled.
A statement on the official Depeche Mode website advised fans to hold on to their tickets.
The statement read: “Dave fell ill with a severe bout of gastroenteritis shortly before he was due onstage in Athens which resulted in his immediate hospitalisation. At this stage, Dave’s primary concern is to return to full health and resume the tour as soon as possible.”
“Fans in Athens and Istanbul have been advised to hold onto their tickets as an announcement will be made shortly with regard to rescheduled dates or cancellation.”
Depeche Mode are due to play the O2 Arena in London on May 30th, it is not yet known if Dave Gahan’s illness will affect this date.
UPDATE
A new announcement from Depeche Mode has confirmed that five shows will now be postponed, with Dave Gahan currently undergoing tests. The following shows have been cancelled:
May
14 Istanbul Santral
16 Bucharest Izvor Park
18 Sofia Vasil Levski Stadium
20 Belgrade USCE Park
21 Zagreb Arena
“Ticket holders for the above shows are advised to hold on to their tickets as an announcement will be made shortly in regard to rescheduled dates or final cancellation,” the statement read.
It is not yet known is Dave Gahan’s condition will affect Depeche Mode’s show in London’s O2 Arena on May 30th.
