Charlatans gig at 02 Academy in Leeds on Friday December 17 is cancelled due to positive Covid tests

The tour has been cancelled today (Dec 16) with “immediate effect” after two more of their crew tested positive for coronavirus.

The rock band’s frontman Tim Burgess shared a statement on Twitter announcing the news and said the group did not feel it was “right” to gather people together while infection numbers rise in the UK due to the Omicron variant.

This comes after a string of music venues, theatres and artists have cancelled performances due to the rise of positive Covid cases, including pop star Mabel who had to cancel a third show on Wednesday.

Burgess wrote: “Hey everyone, it’s the news we really didn’t want but we have absolutely no choice.

IN OTHER NEWS: "Heart-breaking": Cricket club mourns death of much-loved Chairman instrumental in resurrection after arson attack

“Two more of our crew have tested positive and it doesn’t seem right to gather people together with current numbers of infections around the UK.

“With that in mind we are postponing the rest of the tour with immediate effect. We know our fans will understand as safety is our number one priority.

“Keep well. Hope to see you soon. Tim, Martin, Mark, Tony & Pete.”

The singer followed up by asking others to inform anyone who was due to attend their show at Rock City in Nottingham on Thursday evening of the news.

Burgess said the band will rearrange the dates “as soon as they can”.

The rock band currently comprises Burgess on lead vocals, bassist Martin Blunt, guitarist Mark Collins, keyboardist Tony Rogers and Peter Salisbury on drums.

IN OTHER NEWS: Robber jailed for six years for punching Three Legs drinker unconscious after his wife 'lured' him in to alleyway to buy Leeds United shirt

They released their first album Some Friendly in 1990, which featured the popular track The Only One I Know, and have produced 13 studio albums during their career.

Earlier this year, the group announced the release of their 30th anniversary tour and a best of/rarities album, which had been delayed due to Covid.

The accompanying tour kicked off in Belfast in November and they played a number of gigs and were due to play throughout December in Nottingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, but these shows have now been cancelled.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.