Lenny Kravitz has cancelled his forthcoming tour of Asia and Australia, citing "unforeseen scheduling issues" behind the decision, according to Billboard.
"Unfortunately, due to contractual scheduling conflicts beyond my control I will not be able to come to Australia to perform," the guitarist said via a comment on his Facebook page. "I have been looking forward to coming to play for my fans and I'm deeply sorry that my concerts had to be canceled."
The tour had consisted of four shows across Japan, with stops in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia before playing three gigs in Australia. The toughest hit will be Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, where Kravitz was scheduled as the headliner for the April 2 date.
"It is sad for all of us here at Bluesfest," said Peter Noble, festival director of Bluesfest. "When anyone cancels, as we know it must be for Lenny's fans right now...Please be assured we are now attempting to find someone else to come and play."
The festival is currently offering a refund to ticket holders for the April 2 date although, as he said, it's also looking for an alternate headliner.
No reason was specified by the Kravitz camp for the wide cancellation, however Billboard somewhat hinted that The Hunger Games may have something to do with it. Kravitz stars in the blockbuster film series as Cinna, and he may have work to do on that front (although the second chapter of the Mockingjay series won't come out until November). It's a long shot, but it's the best guess we've got.
Here are the list of dates cancelled:
03/14: Tokyo @ International Forum
03/15: Tokyo @ International Forum
03/17: Osaka-Shi @ Orix Theater
03/17: Osaka-Shi @ Orix Theater
03/24: Manila @ Globe Circuit Makati
03/26: Jakarta @ Istora Senayan
03/29: Kuala Lumpur @ Sepang Circuit Grand Prix
04/02: Byron Bay, Australia @ Bluesfest
04/06: Melbourne @ Rod Laver Arena
04/08: Sydney @ Qantas Credit Union Arena
NOTE: Kravitz has since deleted the post on his Facebook page but the statement remains on the Bluesfest Facebook hub. Stay tuned for updates.
