Illness forces THE GATHERING to cancel European tour dates

Dutch rock band THE GATHERING has had to cancel the first month of their upcoming leg of their European ‘Homelands' tour due to an illness.

Singer Anneke van Giersbergen is suffering from an obstinate bronchial and sinus infection, which has taken a turn for the worse over the past few days. The band issued a statement, saying: "The band very much regrets having to take this step, but Anneke's health will have to come first."

Because of the severity of the illness, the band is forced to cancel all shows in Europe and the Netherlands scheduled between April 19th, 2006 and May, 28th 2006. "We are consulting with promoters to try to reschedule the concerts to later this year so that tickets would remain valid," declares the band's management.

The band's latest recording ‘Home' was released today in North America (via THE END RECORDS) and over the weekend in Europe via the bands own label, PSYCHONAUT RECORDS.

THE GATHERING will resume touring starting in June.