The Rakes Split, Cancel Tour Dates

10/22/09 3:16pm

by Jason MacNeil (CHARTattack)

British group The Rakes have suddenly announced they're breaking up, canceling both of their upcoming European and North American tours.

"The Rakes have announced today they are to split with immediate effect," a statement on the band's website read on Thursday (Oct. 22). "Both the October U.K. tour and American dates are cancelled and full refunds will be given to ticket holders."

The band were slated to mount a North American tour later this month that was to begin in Los Angeles.

"The Rakes have always been very adamant and proud of the fact that we give 100 per cent to every gig we've ever played," the band said. "If we can't give it everything then we won't do it. That was the rule we set ourselves from day one.

"After much deliberation we have come to the shared conclusion that we can't give it 100 per cent anymore and regret to announce that The Rakes are calling it a day.

"We are sorry to let down all the people who were coming to see us on the U.K. & U.S. tours. Writing your own obituary is a surreal thing to do but we want to give you particular thanks to our much-loved fans, all the great people we've worked with over the years, our management and loyal record label.

"We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to write music together and perform around the world. Genuinely, thanks for the good times... That was one hell of a party! But now, we really must get some sleep."

The Rakes' third album, Klang, came out on Tuesday (Oct. 20) in North America, but a post in late August might have foreshadowed what transpired today.

"After this tour we're gonna go away for a bit, and when we're back things WILL be different," the band wrote at the time.

The Rakes comprised singer/guitarist Alan Donohoe, bassist Jamie Hornsmith, drummer Lasse Petersen and guitarist Matthew Swinnerton — released their Capture/Release debut album in 2005. Their Ten New Messages sophomore effort followed two years later.

Here are The Rakes' cancelled dates: 

Here are The Rakes' cancelled dates:

Oct. 26 Leeds, England @ Cockpit
Oct. 27 Bristol, England @ O2 Academy Bristol
Oct. 28 Birmingham, England @ O2 Academy Birmingham
Oct. 29 London, England @ Forum
Oct. 31 Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy
Nov. 1 San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
Nov. 3 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
Nov. 4 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
Nov. 6 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
Nov. 7 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Nov. 9 Toronto, ON @ The Mod Club
Nov. 10 Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
Nov. 11 Allston, MA @ Great Scott
Nov. 12 New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom