Travis forced to cancel festival gigs

Travis drummer Neil Primrose’s spine operation has forced the cancellation of the rock act’s appearance at the V2002 festivals next month, it was announced today.

The band said the decision was taken ‘‘with great regret’’ but the musician had been told to avoid aggravating his injuries.

Primrose was hurt in a swimming pool accident in France and had to have a bone graft on his spine. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Dance duo the Chemical Brothers have been drafted in as a replacement for the shows on August 17 and 18 at Chelmsford, Essex, and Weston Park, Staffordshire.