Band not so Keane on tour as dates cancelled

AWARD-WINNING band Keane have pulled the plug on a free concert in Dublin because their frontman Tom Chaplin is suffering exhaustion.

The band had earlier this month announced plans to play a free gig at a secret venue in the city as part of the Channel 4 Vodafone TBA series.

Irish fans were urged to apply through a website for the free tickets.

However, in a statement issued on the Brit Award winners’ official website, lead singer Tom Chaplin said they were deeply disappointed to have to cancel the Dublin gig as well as appearances at the Edinburgh Festival and in Ibiza.

“I am gutted that I have to take a break from touring,” he said.

“I want to apologise to our fans and I hope that everyone understands. Be assured that we will be back out there soon.”

The trio had been due to close this year’s T on the Fringe festival in Edinburgh with a concert in Princes Street Gardens in August.

However, the group blamed an “extremely punishing worldwide promotion and touring schedule” in recent months for the lead singer’s exhaustion and subsequent withdrawal.

Chaplin and band members Richard Hughes and Tim Rice-Oxley have also had to cancel their scheduled Ibiza Rocks concert on the island on August 23.

Chaplin has been advised to take a proper rest so that he can get himself back to full fitness in time for more touring later in the year.

T on the Fringe spokesman Dave Corbet said: “We are disappointed that the gig has had to be cancelled and disappointed for the fans.

More than 20,000 tickets have been sold for Northern Ireland band Snow Patrol’s gig at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Stadium on August 25.

T on the Fringe organisers said full ticket refunds for the Keane concert would be available from the place where they were purchased.