Sting cancels gigs after hurricane

British rocker Sting has cancelled two gigs in Florida this week after the state was ravaged by Hurricane Frances.

The Roxanne hitmaker was due to perform in West Palm Beach today and in Tampa tomorrow - but the concerts have been axed out of respect to fans affected by the 165 kilometre per hour (105 miles per hour) winds that have torn through Florida since Sunday.

A statement on his website reads: "As a result of the devastation of Hurricane Frances and with respect to fans who are currently enduring its effects, Sting and Clear Channel Entertainment have announced that the two Sting performances previously sscheduled for later this week in West Palm Beach and Tampa have been postponed."