Silverchair calls off tour plans due to illness
ByMay 30, 2002 10:00 PM
Silverchair has canceled its upcoming concert plans because lead singer Daniel Johns is suffering from a severe case of reactive arthritis, according to the band’s label.
Silverchair has canceled its upcoming concert plans because lead singer Daniel Johns is suffering from a severe case of reactive arthritis, according to the band’s label.
“I am truly sorry that I am not able to do the touring we had planned for so long,” Johns said in a statement. “I am doing everything humanly possible to try and get well, but lately things have just kept getting worse.”
The symptoms of Johns’ condition include chronic swelling of the joints, which impairs movement and causes extreme pain.
Silverchair had been scheduled to perform sold-out gigs in New York and London over the next two weeks. Those holding tickets to those shows, as well as a Sydney concert that was postponed last week, will be offered refunds.
The band was also scheduled to play additional dates in North America and Europe--including several major festival appearances--over the summer. Those plans have been delayed indefinitely so that Johns can recover.
According to Atlantic Records, Johns contracted the virus that causes reactive arthritis late last year. The condition typically lasts only a few months, but doctors found that Johns had some underlying complications that hindered his recovery. Doctors believe that Johns will make a complete recovery.
Silverchair’s new album, “Diorama,” is scheduled for release in the United States on July 30. The album debuted at No. 1 in the band’s native Australia, where it remains in the top ten two months after its release.