Rock duo Royal Blood's Saturday night date at Manchester's AO Arena has been postponed after frontman Mike Kerr tested positive for Covid, it's been confirmed. In a social media announcement, Kerr said he 'cannot sing a single note' following a gig on Wednesday night at the O2 Arena in London.
The band said all the remaining Royal Blood tour dates in the UK, Dublin and Paris have been postponed as a result. They were also due to play at the First Direct Arena in Leeds tomorrow, Friday.
Kerr wrote on Twitter that he was 'absolutely gutted', but said it's not a situation where he could 'power through'. All tickets will remain valid for any rescheduled dates, said the band.
Kerr said: "I'm heartbroken to write this, but despite being fully protected and taking precautions, I have tested positive for COVID following last night's show at The O2 Arena. This morning I've woken up to discover I have lost my voice. Unfortunately, this isn't something I can 'power through'. I currently cannot sing a single note. My voice has gone.
"I'm absolutely gutted. We were having the time of our lives up there, and your support and passion is not taken for granted for one second. I'm so sorry to advise that I cannot continue the tour and want to apologise for the huge disappointment and inconvenience this will cause you all. We will work as hard as we can to reschedule the shows for as soon as possible. Mike."
In a tweet, the band said: "Due to illness the remaining Royal Blood tour dates in the UK, Dublin, and Paris have been postponed. Fans are advised to keep hold of their tickets. All tickets will remain valid for any rescheduled dates."
They said new dates would be announced as soon as possible and the North American tour was not affected. The AO Arena confirmed the news.