Keane man in rehab

Frontman Tom in Priory

22 Aug 06 - Keane frontman Tom Chaplin has followed in the footsteps of Pete Doherty and Justin Hawkins to go into rehab.

It had previously been announced that he was suffering exhaustion, which caused them to cancel a clutch of gigs including Ibiza Rocks and T On The Fringe.

But posting on the band's website today, former mildman of rock Tom says he has admitted himself into rehab to get professional help.

He says: "I've been having to deal with an increasing problem with drink and drugs, and the time has come to get the professional help I need to sort myself out. I feel desperately disappointed to be letting down our fans, but I want to get myself right now so that I can be back on the road for the rest of the year."

Today's Sun says he checked into The Priory last week but was allowed out to play V Festival at the weekend, as well as Pukkelpop in Belgium last Friday.

The band pulled their show at Ibiza Rocks on Wednesday as well as their massive gig closing this year's T on the Fringe festival in Edinburgh next week.

Their show in Dublin on 31 August has also been axed and a host of North American dates postponted.

A statement on their website at the time of the gig cancellations read:

"Due to an extremely punishing worldwide promotion and touring schedule over the last few months, Tom is suffering from exhaustion and has been advised to take a proper rest so that he can get himself back to full fitness in time for the rest of this year's touring activities.

"Tom commented: 'I am gutted that I have to take a break from touring. I was really looking forward to these dates, but if it means we can do what we've got planned for the rest of the year then I'll take the time off. I want to apologise to our fans, and I hope that everyone understands. Be assured that we will be back out there soon.' 
 
The following dates have been cancelled (refunds should be sought at the point of purchase):
23rd August Ibiza Rocks
30th August T On The Fringe
31st August Vodafone TBA, Dublin

At such short notice, the band have decided to proceed with their much-anticipated festival performances co-headlining with Massive Attack at Pukkelpop in Belgium on Friday and the Radiohead day at the V Festival this weekend."

Dave Corbitt is the promoter for T on the Fringe. He told 6 Music he was gutted when he found out Keane were pulling out.

He said: "I'm deeply disappointed obviously. It was going to be the closing show of T On The Fringe. It's a very special venue under the castle when the lights go down. Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful place to do a show. So I was really looking forward to it just as a show apart from anything else."

He also said it was too late to replace Keane on the bill - which means it will now be down to Simple Minds to draw T On The Fringe to a close on 28 August at the same venue.


Jody Thompson