The Fratellis cancel 20th anniversary show in Leeds due to illness
The Fratellis have announced the postponement of their highly anticipated UK tour following a statement released on Monday evening.
The update revealed that lead singer and primary songwriter Jon Fratelli has been forced to withdraw from performing to focus on his recovery from ongoing health issues, acting strictly on professional medical advice.
In a message to their followers, the band drew parallels between this setback and their early days, reflecting on their history, they noted that the group overcame a "serious medical obstacle" at their inception in the early 2000s - a challenge they claim "should have ended [their] dream" before it truly began.
Having refused to accept defeat then, they expressed a fierce determination to apply that same resilience to their current situation as they fight to get back onstage.
"We are as disappointed as you at having to wait a little longer to celebrate Costello Music’s 20th birthday," the band shared, reassuring fans that they are doing everything within their power to finalise and announce new dates as quickly as possible.
The Glasgow outfit, legendary for indie-rock anthems like ‘Chelsea Dagger’ and ‘Whistle for the Choir,’ confirmed that tickets for the postponed February run will remain valid for all rescheduled performances.
The news is a bittersweet blow for the fanbase, as the band had successfully sold out 15 of the 17 scheduled dates, including what was set to be a massive two-night homecoming finale at Glasgow’s O2 Academy, along with their scheduled performance at the O2 Academy Leeds on February 19.
While the winter dates are on hold, the band’s summer festival schedule remains intact. Fans can still look forward to their appearance at the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow Green, where the celebration of their landmark debut will continue.
Originally released in 2006, Costello Music was a definitive record of its era, peaking at number two on the UK albums chart and earning the band the 2007 Brit Award for Best British Breakthrough Act.
Looking for more music in the city this month? Check out our guide to some of the biggest shows coming to Leeds in February.