Duran Duran cancel the remaining dates of their 2 year World Tour.

It's not because they want to, it's because they have to.

Keyboardist Nick Rhodes has been ill for a little over a week now :( First they thought he was suffering from exhaustion, but then he went and got checked again, and was told he had symptoms of a viral infection. So if I had to guess, I would probably say Nick is suffering from a mixture of both :( D2 has already had to cancel a few shows over the past week, Pittsburgh, Atlantic City, and Kettering... and they announced earlier that they would have to cancel tomorrow's show in Chicago as well, before ultimately deciding to cancel the rest of the few remaining shows of the tour. 

Here's the official press release, taken from the official Duran Duran site:

Press Release

For Immediate Release – August 28, 2012

DURAN DURAN FORCED TO CANCEL REMAINING DATES OF THEIR TWO YEAR WORLD TOUR

With just one week to go before the final dates of their two year ‘All You Need Is Now’ world tour, British rock band, Duran Duran, have been forced to cancel the remaining shows on the concluding North American leg, because keyboardist Nick Rhodes is too unwell to perform.

Following the loss of four shows already this week (in Pittsburgh, Atlantic City, Kettering and Chicago), the band members announced tonight that they would sadly have to cancel the remaining two Canadian dates as well – which were scheduled to take place on Friday 31st August and Saturday 1st September in Rama, Ontario.

Rhodes, who has been unwell now for over a week, was advised by doctors today that he is not yet ready to perform, as he is still experiencing the same symptoms that have kept him from the stage for the last few nights.

The band are devastated that what has been a triumphant tour for them, with many highlights, has ended this way – and know that the fans will be as disappointed as they are. Nick held out all week, hoping that he would be well enough to perform again for these final few shows, but unfortunately the medical advice he has been given today requires him to continue to rest.

All ticket holders for any of the shows that have been cancelled should now apply for refunds at the point of purchase, as rescheduling these dates has not been possible given the venues’ upcoming season schedules and availability. Members of the band’s VIP Fan Community should contact Customer Service on the dedicated Community website.

- ends – 

I, along with the rest of the Duranies out there, wish Nick a speedy recovery! We'll continue to give our love and support!

Also, I know the band has been getting some negative, selfish comments from "fans" via Twitter and Facebook... yeah, that crap needs to stop. Now. 

The band does not owe anything to anyone. A band member is terribly ill and cannot perform... it happens. The health and well-being of the members of Duran Duran is far more important than a two hour concert. That's what's important here. Yes, it's extremely disappointing, but have a little respect and compassion towards the members of the band in which you are a so-called "fan" of.

Get well, Nick!! We love you!!

Peace, Love, & Music,

~Lizzy Lepp 

-P.S. This is one of the most epic pictures I have ever seen!!! Nick Rhodes and David Bowie... two of my favorites!!!

 
*I got this photo from the Duran Duran - Fan Community on facebook*