Legendary English rock band The Who was forced to postpone the remaining dates of its North American 50th anniversary tour due to lead singer Roger Daltrey's illness, RollingStone reported. Daltrey fell ill earlier this month after contacting a mystery virus, and he was recently diagnosed with viral meningitis.
"We are very sorry to disappoint our fans in this way," Daltrey, 71, said in a statement posted to the band's official website. "For the last four weeks, I have been in and out of the hospital and have been diagnosed with viral Meningitis. I am now on the mend and feeling a lot better but I am going to need a considerable time to recover. The doctors tell me I will make a complete recovery, but that I should not do any touring this year."
The band originally planned a 50-date North American tour in celebration of the band's 50th anniversary with the title "The Who Hits 50!" but the statement expressed that the band would not want to jeopardize the integrity of the shows with their singer ill and chose to reschedule the tour for next year. Tickets purchased for the original tour dates will be honored at the new shows.
"We are rescheduling all the shows for next Spring 2016," guitarist Pete Townshend said in the statement, which was released via The Who's official Twitter page. "We apologize to all our fans who have supported us in the last 50 years. Once Roger is completely well we will come back stronger than ever and Roger and I will give you all a show to remember."
