Snow Patrol have pulled out of Glastonbury, just days before they were set to perform at the popular festival.
The band were forced to cancel a number of upcoming gigs in Europe over the next month, as band member Johnny McDaid is set to undergo “immediate surgery” for a “serious problem with his neck”.
Snow Patrol were already a man down, as Nathan Connolly is recovering from nerve damage treatment on his hand.
In a statement, the band apologised for disappointing their fans, and wished Johnny and Nathan well.
They said: “We are sorry to have to announce the cancelation of more shows. Our dear brother, piano and guitar player Johnny Mcdaid has a serious problem with his neck and after consulting with some top neurosurgeons they are all in agreement that the only course of action is immediate surgery.”
“We are all of course worried about our brother Johnny. He is a force of nature and a giant light in our lives on stage and off and we of course will give him all the time and support he needs to recover.”
“Johnny has been incredible in the wake of this news and has remained calm at a time when a lot of people might freak out.”
“As for the upcoming shows: to replace Johnny it would take at least two people and with Nathan still out with nerve damage (he is slowly on the mend) so he is also still unable to play guitar we feel it’s just not appropriate to continue with shows at this stage,” they continued.
“It isn’t just their guitars and pianos that would be missed. Their backing vocals are essential to our sound and their energy and spirits are colossal and are irreplaceable forces.”
“Am sure you all understand that at this point the most important thing is to take time to let our brothers heal and recover so we need to cancel the forthcoming shows we are billed to play in Europe this summer up to Latitude on the 20th of July to give them both time to recover.
“As the doctors have said Nathan needs another 4 weeks recovery we are sure that we will be able to do the acoustic tour of Asia, Australia and New Zealand in August as Nathan will very likely be healed in time.
They added: “We will of course keep you informed of both Nathan’s and Johnny’s progress. We have hardly ever cancelled shows in 25 years together and we don’t do it lightly. We hope you all understand. We are sorry to miss the shows but health is the most important thing. All our love and healing to our brothers Johnny and Nathan.”
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