All upcoming shows for The Vines including Homebake and Big Day Out have been cancelled due to singer Craig Nichols` rapidly deteriorated mental state.
In a statement released today via The Vines website, it says “It is with a great deal of regret that The Vines today announced that they have cancelled all of their Australian festival appearances - Homebake, Pyramid Rock and Big Day Out - and their forthcoming Japanese tour scheduled for late November .Craig Nicholls’ mental condition has deteriorated extremely rapidly over the past month to the point where he requires immediate help over an extended period of time”.
The Vines` members sound extremely concerned about Craig’s well-being. “Hamish Rosser, Ryan Griffiths and Brad Heald are all extremely saddened by this turn of events and wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the fans, friends and family who have shown faith in the band since their successful return to the live stage in 2006”.
The statement goes into great detail. "On behalf of The Vines we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to those of you who have bought tickets to see us perform and will not get to do so” said Hamish. “We are all absolutely devastated that we've been forced to cancel all upcoming shows as there's nothing we love more than playing on stage before an enthusiastic audience. We ask for your understanding in this situation.”
“The band and management wish to extend a massive thanks to all of the promoters who showed such faith in the band by adding them to their bills, and to thank each and every one of them for their sensitivity and understanding of the band’s situation”.
“Big Day Out Co-Ordinator Sahara Herald Shepherd said
“The entire Big Day Out family is deeply saddened by the news that Craig Nicholls and his band The Vines will not be joining us on our 2009 summer tour. The Vines performances at the 2007 Big Day Out were nothing short of dazzling and they will be greatly missed. That said, we recognise that now is the time for Craig to focus on re-gaining his health. Our thoughts and best wishes are with him and his family at this time.“
“The band and Craig’s family would like to ask that sensitivity be shown at a difficult time and ask that this statement be taken as their only comment on this matter”.
Nichols was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2004 and the band disappeared from public view for two years.
All looked good this year when the band appeared at SXSW to roadtest the impending release of ‘Melodia’. While critically acclaimed, the album failed to connect back with fans.
The future of The Vines is once again on hold.
