Australian rockers the Vines have cancelled their live commitments due to a deterioration in their frontman's mental health.
In a disarmingly frank website post, the band confirmed that they were withdrawing from live and festival appearances indefinitely.
In 2004 Craig Nicholls was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, after his behaviour became increasingly erratic. He received treatment and the band were able to continue recording, even returning to the road.
But the situation appears to have deteriorated. The band wrote: "It is with a great deal of regret that the Vines today announce 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 to the point where he requires immediate help over an extended period of time."
According to the NME, drummer Hamish Rosser added: "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. We are all absolutely devastated that we've been forced to cancel all our upcoming shows as there's nothing we love more than playing on stage before an enthusiastic audience."