The Darkness, Joan Jett Cancel Australian Tour

The joint tour from The Darkness and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts has been cancelled today, with The Darkness citing drummer Ed Graham's bad hip as the reason for pulling to plug.

A statement from the band's management was issued today and said they the glam-rock revivalists were cancelling, rather than postponing, because they have not yet organised solid plans for their return.

As a result of their situation, promoter McManus Entertainment informed that Joan Jett's band will not be making the trip either.

Graham has had surgery on his hip – and missed some American dates last year – and today the band said, “Unfortunately, over the course of the past few weeks' touring, Ed has been feeling that all is not right in that department, and has been advised to undergo some rest and tests before potentially taking a backwards step and making matters worse.”

Graham will finish off the band's current European tour before entering a recovery period.

“This very sadly results in the immediate cancellation of the Antipodean tour. We will of course look to reschedule dates into our scheduling and itinerary as soon as possible but have nothing solid to be able to make work currently hence this being a cancellation rather than a postponement.

“The Darkness also feel that to visit countries which do not get enough shows by them as it is, and not have the full, proper and original band line-up, is simply not the right thing to do. To that end there won't be any possibility for stand ins or alternative Eds for these shows and we won't be touring with any ersatz model!

“We hope to have details of re-scheduled shows very soon. The Darkness sends its most heartfelt apologies to everyone involved and look forward to seeing you all as soon as possible.”

Refunds are available from point of purchase. The tour was set to kick off in Adelaide Tuesday 2 April.