Genesis was forced to cancel the final four dates of its tour in the United Kingdom due to “positive COVID-19 tests within the band,” the group announced.
The band, which has been performing in its Last Domino? tour, did not elaborate on which members of the band tested positive, Rolling Stone reported.
Fridays’ show in Glasgow, Scotland, was scrubbed, and three consecutive dates at the O2 Arena in London, set to begin Monday, were also canceled, according to New Musical Express. The band did perform Thursday night in Glasgow.
— Genesis (@genesis_band) October 8, 2021
“This is a hugely frustrating development for the band, who are devastated with this unlucky turn of events,” the band wrote in a group statement. “They hate having to take these steps but the safety of the audience and touring crew has to take priority. They look forward to seeing you upon their return.”
The tour began Sept. 20 and features classic-era members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks, along with longtime touring guitarist Daryl Stuermer and Nicholas Collins -- Phil’s son -- on drums, Rolling Stone reported.
Phil Collins, 70, has not been able to play the drums and has been performing seated due to ongoing health issues, New Musical Express reported. The band’s lead singer has had back problems after surgery, the website reported.
Phil Collins told the BBC last month that he can now “barely hold a (drum) stick, which necessitated his 20-year-old son taking over the drum kit.
It is unclear whether the positive test will impact the band’s U.S. tour, which begins on Nov. 15 in Chicago and ends on Dec. 16 in Boston.
It is the first tour for Genesis since 2007.
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