U2 have been forced to postpone the last ten dates on their current world tour due to the serious illness of an unnamed band member's relative. No more specific details were provided, though tour promoter Arthur Fogel issued a statement to the press saying that the cancellation was "unavoidable", while adding: "Any fan of U2 will realise that this decision has not been taken lightly. We will announce further details as soon as we have them."
The affected concerts were due to take place in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii, kicking off in Auckland on 17 and 18 Mar. The concert at Honolulu's Aloha Stadium had been the fastest selling event ever to take place there - tickets sold out within an hour after fans slept outside the venue in order to get the best seats as they went on sale.
Rescheduled dates are expected to be announced as soon as they can be organised.