Depeche singer 'still not well'

The band are due to play in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday

Depeche Mode frontman David Gahan is not well enough to perform at a gig in Athens later, doctors have said.

The 47-year-old singer was rushed to hospital on Tuesday night after falling ill backstage and the electro-pop band's show was hastily rescheduled.

But organisers have now said "the artist's health condition does not allow" the event to go ahead.

The band promised on their website that a new date or a "final cancellation" would be announced shortly.

It is not known whether Gahan, who has suspected gastroenteritis, will be forced to miss further shows.

He is due to play in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, before heading to Romania for a concert in Bucharest on Saturday.

Crowd cheered

Tuesday's concert, for 20,000 fans at Athens' Terra Vibe park, was called off at the last minute. Footage of the announcement has been posted on YouTube.

A spokesman told the crowd: "Dave is not well, we have had a doctor in to see him backstage and unfortunately the advice from the doctor is that Dave cannot perform.

"He is on his way to the hospital now for a check-up.

"I apologise on behalf of Dave and Depeche Mode - Dave really wanted to be well enough to perform.

"I am very sorry there is nothing we can do - he is genuinely ill. He asked me to pass on my apologies to you all."

The spokesman then prompted cheers after telling the crowd that the show could be rescheduled.

However, a statement on the Depeche Mode website now reads: "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."

Fans have been told their tickets will be valid for any rescheduled show - and a refund will be offered if it is cancelled.

Depeche Mode have sold an estimated 75 million albums worldwide since forming in Basildon, Essex, in 1980.

Their hits include Just Can't Get Enough, Personal Jesus and Walking In My Shoes.