Heart Problem Postpones Mogwai Shows

Mogwai have postponed their two Canadian shows this week so drummer Martin Bulloch can deal with his heart ailment.

Bulloch was rushed to hospital following the Glaswegian band's performance at the All Tomorrow's Party Festival in Monticello, N.Y. on Sunday night due to heart problems, for which he wears a pacemaker. He was released, but doctors advised him to stop playing and return home to Scotland for further treatment — which forced Mogwai to postpone their remaining North American dates with Fuck Buttons.

"I've been having some problems with my pacemaker for the duration of the tour and it unfortunately culminated in me being sent to the emergency room," Bulloch wrote on Mogwai's website. "The doctors there initially thought i would have to have corrective surgery at a larger hospital nearer NYC but i have been given the all clear to travel home on the understanding that i go straight to my cardiologist on arrival back in Scotland.

"Tbh, i'm really bummed about having to go home and feel for the folk who had bought tickets for our upcoming shows but i can honestly say it would be almost impossible for me to carry on at this point as my pacemaker has broken skin and the surrounding area has become infected."

The Canadian dates affected by Bulloch's misfortune are Tuesday's show at Montreal's Metropolis and Wednesday's gig at Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre. Promoter ATG Concerts says a new early spring date for the Toronto show will be announced shortly. Refunds are available at points of purchase, but tickets will also be honoured on the rescheduled date.

The 34-year-old Bulloch has put previous pacemakers for sale on eBay to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Mogwai's The Hawk Is Howling album goes on sale today via Matador Records. It may be a less personal purchase, but it's more entertaining — unless, of course, you're a heart gadget fanatic.