Silverchair Cancels Concerts Due To Reactive Arthritis

06/01/2002 7:00 AM, Yahoo! Music
Mark Armstrong

(6/1/02, 7 a.m. ET) -- Silverchair has canceled all its upcoming concert plans, which included a stint in the U.S., due to singer-songwriter Daniel Johns's severe case of reactive arthritis. The condition causes Johns's joints to swell up, resulting in pain and impaired movement.

Those holding tickets to the sold-out New York City and London shows will be offered full refunds at the point of purchase.

"I am truly sorry that I am not able to do the touring we had planned for so long," Johns said in a statement. "I apologize for the inconvenience these cancellations will cause. I am doing everything humanly possible to try and get well, but lately things have just kept getting worse."

Johns contracted the condition last year, and it attacks in three-month spells. However, medical tests have shown complications, leaving the pained singer unable to fight off the virus that triggers this form of arthritis.

The band was set to travel the world to support its forthcoming release, Diorama, which is slated for July 30.

-- Darren Davis, New York

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