February 11, 2010 9:52

The Killers cancel Australian dates due to 'family member's illness'

Band hope to return to wrap up tour later this month

Photo Gallery: The Killers

The Killers have been forced to cancel several dates on their Australian tour.

The band were due to play a show in Sydney (February 12) and make an appearance at the touring Good Vibrations festival (February 13, 14), however the group are pulling the dates due to illness.

"The Killers had hoped that the Australian leg of their current tour would be completed as planned, but due to the severity of the illness of a close family member, they regretfully announce the cancellation of their Sydney Enmore show as well as their shows at Good Vibrations Festival Sydney and Good Vibrations Festival Perth this weekend," they explained in a statement.

"The band apologises to their Australian fans and asks for their understanding. The Killers still intend to perform at the Good Vibrations Festival's Gold Coast and Melbourne shows (February 20, 21) next weekend."

The band also reiterated that despite planning to take time off after this tour, they will not be splitting up as has been rumoured.

"The Killers would also like to take this opportunity to assure their fans that any concerns about the future of the band are unfounded," they declared. "They are all looking forward to some time off at the end of this tour as they have been on the road for a long time, but there are no plans for an indefinite hiatus."