Photo: WENN.com
Green Day have revealed that they have cancelled or postponed all dates on their upcoming US tour while lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong is in rehab.
All 2012 dates have been cancelled with the January and February 2013 dates being postponed. New dates for the rescheduled shows will be announced shortly and previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the new dates but all the tickets for the cancelled shows can be refunded from the point of purchase.
Speaking about the disappointing news bass player Mike Dirnt has said; "Obviously the timing for this isn't ideal, but Billie Joe's well-being is our main concern," adding "We are happy to say that Billie Joe is doing well, and we want to thank you all for the outpouring of support and well wishes that we have received, and we can't wait to see you all again soon.”
Lead singer Bill Joe Armstrong checked himself into treatment centre last month following a bit of a breakdown at a Las Vegas gig. Armstrong smashed his guitar and went on a foul mouthed tirade after being told to end Green Day's set early so Usher could perform.
Former Green Day producer Rob Cavollo recently spoke of Armstrong's stint in rehab saying; "His (Armstrong's) doctors are still evaluating. All I can say is I don't know if we'll see him before or after Christmas. It's basically undetermined when he'll be back."
The spell in rehab has already caused the band to pull out of a scheduled appearance at a New Orleans festival and the band released a press statement after the cancellation with bass player Mike Dirnt explaining:
"Cancelling shows is something we rarely do. We never want to let our fans down, and we are grateful for all of you being understanding during this time."
Above: Green Day at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards
In a recent interview with Kerrang! Dirnt also said "We're brothers-in-arms waiting for Billie to return healthy, but we're not going to force anything. Tré and I will be standing here for Billie."
Check out the video below to see Armstrong's epic meltdown.
