Just over a week out from the launch of their largest Australian tour to date, Welsh rockers Stereophonics have announced the cancellation of their forthcoming trek.

News of the band’s decision was shared on social media by vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones, who explained that the cancellations were necessitated by some health issues he is facing.

“I am gutted, saddened and disappointed to inform you all, that due to a displaced jaw joint (not caused by singing folks - just one of life's tense dizzying mysteries!) the upcoming Australia and Dubai shows are cancelled,” he told fans on Wednesday, October 8th.

“Flying long distance is not medically advised. The UK tour in December is still set to go ahead as planned.

“I have cancelled no more than 4 shows in 30 years and I hope you can trust this decision was not taken lightly,” he added. “I work hard to put on a great show every night, my prep starts in the morning through to showtime. I respect you as audience members and I respect my crew and band brothers, the bed on which I lay, too much to travel with a doubt. Physio Rehabilitation and healing is the priority right now.

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“There's 13 studio albums there,” he concluded. “Spin the black circle until the next time. Love and good health to you all.”

As Jones mentioned, cancelling shows is a rarity for Stereophonics, though Australia has previously been the location of an axed gig for the band, with the group nixing their second Melbourne performance in 2013 due to a respiratory infection affecting Jones.

The forthcoming tour was set to be Stereophonics’ first to visit Australia since 2018, with three new albums – including 2019’s Kind, 2022’s Oochya!, and this year’s Make 'Em Laugh, Make 'Em Cry, Make 'Em Wait – arriving in the interim.

Having visited Australia regularly since their first visit back in 1998, bassist Richard Jones recently told The Music that the group’s love of the country is what has ensured they always keep us on the itinerary where possible.

"I love coming to Australia," Jones admitted. "The people have got such a brilliant honesty and sense of humor that it feels a lot like Wales, for me anyway.

"There's no bullshit, people tell you how things really are, they have a good time. I think that's kind of like the working class ethic, and that's really humbling for me because I come from those places."

Stereophonics' Australian tour was scheduled to launch in Sydney on October 17th, with dates scheduled for Brisbane, Melbourne, and Fremantle. Refunds for these dates will be given via the point of purchase.