November 17, 2008 22:46

The Vines cancel tours due to singer's Asperger's Syndrome

Craig Nicholls' condition has 'deteriorated extremely rapidly'

The Vines have announced that they are cancelling all of their upcoming shows due to their lead singer Craig Nicholls' deteriorating mental condition.

The band were set to play several dates in their native Australia and Japan, but were forced to cancel because Nicholls has been suffering from Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism.

In a statement on the band's website, they wrote: "It is with a great deal of regret that The Vines today announced that they have cancelled all of their Australian festival appearances - Homebake, Pyramid Rock and Big Day Out - and their forthcoming Japanese tour scheduled for late November.

"Craig Nicholls' mental condition has deteriorated extremely rapidly over the past month to the point where he requires immediate help over an extended period of time.

Drummer Hamish Rosser added: "On behalf of The Vines we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to those of you who have bought tickets to see us perform and will not get to do so. We are all absolutely devastated that we've been forced to cancel all upcoming shows as there's nothing we love more than playing on stage before an enthusiastic audience. We ask for your understanding in this situation."

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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