Illness forces off Feeder dates

Grant Nicholas fell ill during a gig in Brighton

Rock band Feeder have scrapped the final three dates of their UK tour after leader singer Grant Nicholas came down with a severe throat infection.

The group's concert on Friday had to be abandoned mid-way through when Nicholas lost his voice.

On doctors' advice, Saturday night's gig in Birmingham and the following two nights in London have been cancelled.

"The band are really devastated and are really sorry for everybody who has tickets", said a spokeswoman.

"Grant has just been told to rest and is under medical supervision," she added.

The shows are expected to be rescheduled for next year and fans are advised to hold on to their tickets until details of the new dates are announced.

The Welsh band were hit with tragedy in 2002 when drummer Jon Lee committed suicide at his Miami home.

The remaining members vowed to carry on and former Skunk Anansie drummer Mark Richardson has since joined the band.