Snow Patrol Postpone Shows Due To Singer's Polyps

Snow Patrol have postponed the remainder of their North American tour, including shows in Toronto and Montreal, as singer Gary Lightbody has developed polyps on his vocal chords that prevent him from performing.

Some shows had already been postponed, but it was hoped that Lightbody would recover in time to play some shows. However, doctors have now advised him not to sing until mid-July.

"The polyps are still there and my singing voice is extremely weak," wrote Lightbody on the Snow Patrol website. "'What's new?' I hear from cheap seats. Indeed.

"I may also need surgery but the initial suggestion from the doc is for me to rest at home for that time and see how I am in a few weeks. I've also seen a voice coach here in New York who has given me some vocal exercises to help me heal and build up the strength of the voice."

The U.K. rock band's tour began on May 23 in Denver and the first postponement took place six nights later in Atlanta. The tour was scheduled to end in New York City on June 27.

"I hope you all understand that if I could do this tour right now I would but I'm worried to go against doctor's advice would lead to serious, even irreversible, problems further down the line," wrote Lightbody.

Snow Patrol were touring in support of their new Eyes Open album. The missed shows will be rescheduled for September, and existing tickets will be honoured for the new dates. No other details have been announced yet.