SONATA ARCTICA Explain Show Cancellations

Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA have been forced to cancel their previously announced shows in Madrid (Spain) and Montpellier (France) after singer Tony Kakko came down with a fever and infected throat. The band's official statement on the matter reads as follows:

"On November 2nd, we had a show in Paris, La Locomotive. During the sound check everything was OK, and the day went by as usual, without any worries. When the starting act played, the air ventilation system we did not know about was turned on, blowing REALLY chilled air on the middle of the stage. Tony complained about this from beginning of our show.

"Sweating under the hot stage lighting and getting a cold air blowing at you for 1 1/2 hours will get you a flu, 100% sure. Despite the efforts of our own crew, the local people were unable or unwilling to turn this 'wind' off. And it was not on during the soundcheck, so...The sold-out house saw the first time anyone in SONATA has gone off stage between songs to get a long-sleeve, because he's on goosebumps 'cause he's freezing on the stage...indoors...

"On the following day Tony woke up with no speaking voice...

"When we yet one more day later on Nov 4th arrived in Madrid, the situation felt a bit better, but before the soundcheck Tony started feeling he had fever. We tried a song in the soundcheck, but it was obvious we cannot play that night...this was a deep shock for the whole band. A local doctor checked out Tony and gave him something for the fever and his infected throat. The remaining members made a statement on stage about the situation, while Tony was sleeping in the bus.

"Next morning in Barcelona we decided to play no matter what. Can't leave Spain without one single show! Pulling a show with medication on would probably mean cancelling the next show in Montpellier. We agreed on risking this after weighing all the pros and cons. There was no guarantee we could play in Montpellier anyway...
The show was pure pain, but the fans were fantastic and it felt a good decision.

"So today, on Saturday, November 6th we arrived to Montpellier, the show we had already announced we'd be forced to cancel. Tony needs to rest and recover before the last show together with NIGHTWISH in Amsterdam and the four other headlining shows we have on the row after that. Playing in Montpellier would have been a BIG risk and we do not want to cancel any more shows!! A doctor checked Tony again, ordered medication and adviced not to do the show, but rather stay quiet and rest as long as possible.

"We sadly apologize our fans and friends that had to leave Madrid and Montpellier venues without a show. It broke our hearts to see so many teary eyes...

"We all think our fans deserve no less than 100% from us, and we are not able to deliver that currently. Hopefully everything will be OK when we reach Amsterdam.

"We will do our best to return and play Spain and France again as soon as possible, with full force! Thank you for you kindness and understanding. We love you more than you know."