Saturday 24th November 2007
Hi folks
Many of you will already be aware that we have had to cancel four gigs Salisbury - Friday 23rd Nov Plymouth University - Saturday 24th Nov London Bloomsbury - Sunday 25th Nov Putney, Half Moon - Tuesday 27th Nov.
Earlier today Steve gave us the following message:
'On Friday afternoon my wife and I were told that our son Jack has contracted Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This is a life threatening but often curable cancer. Clare and Jack will be travelling today to Bristol to begin an intensive round of tests and treatment. For the near future I will be looking after our two youngest children. Today is Jack's 6th birthday. I'm sure we are in your thoughts.'
We have already had numerous messages of support, and after a lot of thought we are determined that the Autumn 2007 tour should go ahead, but without Steve. Phil is working out a new show, with Miranda and Slaid, and will be picking up the tour from next Wednesday (28th) at the Alban Arena.
Whilst the void left by Steve is inescapable, nobody needs reminding about Phil and Miranda's skills and versatility, and at the Sidmouth opener, the crowd clearly warmed to our special guest Slaid Cleaves.
We first need to have discussions with the various venues to see if they are happy to go ahead with the revised show. We're going to ask them whether it is feasible to offer ticket holders a choice of coming to the gig for a show that doesn't include Steve, or a refund.
Many of you have asked if there is anything you can do to help. If you have a ticket for one of the shows, the very best thing you can do is to turn out to support Phil and co.
This isn't the tour anyone had envisaged as we release the "Best of" album, which marks a unique 15-year musical partnership, but we hope it is the best possible outcome in the circumstances and look forward to seeing you on the road.
Many thanks again for your ongoing, unbeatable support.
Show of Hands
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