This weeks Depeche Mode in Athens has now been officially cancelled following singer Dave Gahan`s sudden illness.
Gahan fell ill just before the sold-out Athens show on Tuesday night disappointing more than 20,000 fans who had paid 100 euros each to see the band.The band’s tour manager addressed the crowd moments before the band was due on stage. “I apologize on behalf of Dave and Depeche Mode”, he said. “Dave really wanted to be well enough to perform and apologizes for letting his fans in Athens down. We are sorry. He is genuinely ill and has asked me to pass on his apology to you all”.
It was suggested that the show would be rescheduled to the following night but instead, Gahan left Greece and flew to the United States for treatment.
The US trip seems totally over the top considering the announced illness ... suspected gastroenteritis. Gahan would have to surely qualify now for a Guinness Book of Records listing for longest travel for a minor illness.
Depeche Mode have now also cancelled their Istanbul show this week. Forthcoming dates for Romania and Bulgaria this Saturday and Monday have not been cancelled yet, but if you had a ticket you would have to be concerned that the show will happen.
The official announcement from the Depeche Mode website reads:
Depeche Mode have been forced to cancel two shows on their 'Sounds of the Universe' tour, yesterday's show in Athens (May 12) and tomorrow's show in Istanbul (May 14), due to the illness of singer Dave Gahan.
Dave fell ill with a severe bout of gastroenteritis shortly before he was due onstage in Athens which resulted in his immediate hospitalization. At this stage, Dave's primary concern is to return to full health and resume the tour as soon as possible.
Fans in Athens and Istanbul have been advised to hold onto their tickets as an announcement will be made shortly with regard to rescheduled dates or cancellation.
Earlier fans were told:
On Tuesday, May 12th, 2009, at 9pm (local time), the sudden feeling of physical discomfort that hit the singer of Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan, just a few minutes before going on stage for the band's performance, resulted in his immediate transfer to the hospital and the postponement of the band's show.
Even though everyone hoped for the singer's speedy recovery and the rescheduling of the band's show for today, May 13th, 2009, according to the information received by the band's management and the doctor on duty, the artist's health condition does not allow it.
