The American alternative rock band The Killers has clarified the reason for cancelling their Asian tour - 'a serious illness of a close family member' - which included a stop in Hong Kong.
The cancellation came amid rumours that the band, which has won four NME Awards and a BRIT Award, was heading for a break-up.
A revised press statement by concert promoter Live Nation said The Killers were forced to cancel their shows in Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Tokyo and Seoul because of 'unforeseen circumstances involving a serious illness of a close family member'. It gave no further information.
The band 'deeply apologises' to fans and hopes to reschedule the shows soon. The press statement also says The Killers 'hope you understand and respect our privacy at this difficult time'. The band plans to make good a commitment to play in Australia. Dubbed by Rolling Stone and MTV as the hottest band of 2005, The Killers were to play here on Friday at the AsiaWorld-Expo.
News of the abrupt cancellation of the Asian shows broke last Friday. There were reports that The Killers were on the verge of breaking up, and that Sydney fans might be the last to see their show, at the Australian Good Vibrations Festival next month.
In a recent press interview, the Las Vegas-based band's guitarist, David Keuning, said the group would take a break after playing in Australia. After appearing at the Good Vibrations Festival, the band would not be recording or touring for a while because they felt burned out, he said.