Matchbox Twenty Postpones European Tour Due To War

03/21/2003 5:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Jason Gelman

(3/21/03, 5 p.m. ET) -- Matchbox Twenty has postponed its upcoming European concert tour "due to the current war in Iraq and resulting global uncertainty," according to a statement from the band's label, Atlantic Records, on Friday (March 21).

The tour was scheduled to kick off on Tuesday (March 25) in Cologne, Germany, and was to visit Germany, England, Scotland, France, and Holland.

"Our concern is not only for the safety of our band and our crew, but, more importantly, for the well being of our fans, whom we certainly do not want to put at risk just by coming out to see us play," said Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas.

"As global citizens, not just as Americans, we also feel that it would be inappropriate to be doing gigs just as this conflict has begun," Thomas explained.

He added, "However we are a touring band, and our commitment to playing live for our fans remains as strong as ever. We promise to cross the Atlantic and do these shows as soon as possible, and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this incredibly difficult time in world history."

The dates will be rescheduled for later in the year. Tickets purchased for the postponed shows will be valid for the new dates, which will be announced shortly.

Matchbox Twenty will still kick off the North American leg of its 2003 More Than You Think You Are tour at the UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans on April 25. Sugar Ray and Maroon 5 will open the shows on the outing.

-- Jason Gelman, New York

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