Depeche Mode to resume tour

LONDON: Depeche Mode frontman David Gahan has had a malignant tumour removed from his bladder, the British band said Thursday, announcing plans to resume a European tour interrupted by the health scare.

One of Britain's most successful and longest-lived bands, Depeche Mode cancelled a string of concerts this month after Gahan was rushed to hospital on May 12, shortly before going on stage in Greece. The problem was announced as a severe bout of gastroenteritis at the time, but Thursday's statement revealed the more serious condition discovered after tests.

"While in hospital, further medical tests revealed a low-grade malignant tumour in Dave's bladder, which has since been successfully removed.

"At doctors' orders Dave Gahan must take a break until June 8th, to ensure that he makes a full recovery," it said, announcing the band's Tour Of The Universe will resume in the German city of Leipzig.

"Dave Gahan sincerely thanks his fans for their support, understanding and patience. Depeche Mode deeply regret any problems or inconveniences the cancellations and postponements may have caused," it added. The band this month cancelled concerts in Greece, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia due to the health scare. Upcoming shows in London, Germany and the Netherlands have been rescheduled or cancelled, while later concerts around Europe will go ahead as planned, according to the band's website.