REM tour back on

American rockers REM will resume their European tour tonight, because bassist Mike Mills has recovered from a severe ear infection.

The band cut short a gig in Sheffield, northern England on Monday after Mills complained of a flu-like illness, and cancelled a concert in Glasgow, Scotland last night - prompting fans to fear the entire tour is at threat.

But frontman Michael Stipe insists Mills should be well enough to return to the stage in Birmingham, central England, tonight.

He says: "Mike held out until the last possible moment because he didn't want to disappoint fans, but 45 minutes before we were due on stage I looked at him and realized there was no way he could go on. He could barely stand.

"We're all incredibly disappointed because we're not a band that cancels shows left and right. Last time we canceled a show for any reason was nine years ago."

REM wrap up their performances in the British Isles over the weekend before taking their tour to South Africa.