The Jezabels have announced they will be postponing their world tour, so that their keyboardist Heather Shannon can have immediate treatment for ovarian cancer.
The Australian indie rock band have released a statement telling their fans:
"Three years ago Heather was diagnosed with a unique type of ovarian cancer. Although she has been able to maintain life as usual generally, between treatments, the time has come for her to undergo further immediate treatment which will require her to stay in Sydney.
The Jezabels have had to postpone their tour so their keyboardist Heather can have treatment for cancer
"We were very excited to be hitting the road again in support of our third album, 'SYNTHIA', but sadly due to a sudden turn of events Heather’s condition requires attention now so touring in the proposed time frame is no longer possible."
Heather, who has been with the band since it formed in 2007, adds a personal note saying:
"Up until now, I have preferred to not let this diagnosis get in the way of getting on with life. I feel a deep frustration at this new roadblock, as I now have to take a step back and undergo treatment. The band means so much to me, and cancelling the tour has been a very sad decision. I am hopeful that in the near future we will be back on the road again playing music we love. This album means so much to us, and we were so looking forward to sharing it live with everyone.
"Having said that, I feel very lucky to be in the care of the public health system here in Australia. I have met many inspiring people and I am receiving the best treatment possible. There is a lot of research going into ovarian cancer at the moment, and a big push for awareness."
The Jezabels, comprising four members who met at university in Sydney, were planning to go on the road to promote their third album, following the success of 'Prisoner' and 'The Brink'. They have previously won both Australian's highest Music Award, as well as an ARIA Award for their second album. Their music has been heard on hit US series including 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'True Blood' as well as in shows in their native Australia.
On their statement today, they included a link for donations, including to UK charity Target Ovarian Cancer