THE WILDHEARTS Cancel U.S. Tour

U.K.'s THE WILDHEARTS have been forced to cancel their previously announced U.S. tour due to immigration issues. The group's booking agent has issued the following statement on the matter:

"We have been informed this morning by the American Embassy, and our American representative who was acting on behalf of THE WILDHEARTS visa application in the US, that THE WILDHEARTS visas will not be ready in time for the tour.

"Despite being told differently, it appears that errors were made by our nominated American representative, which caused unnecessary delays and problems with the American Embassy. THE WILDHEARTS and their management were never informed of this and we were assured that they would arrive in time for their flight to New York tomorrow (Thursday 8th March).

"THE WILDHEARTS are distraught at being forced to cancel these shows, but have been given no alternative as flying with out visas would seriously jeopardise all future plans in the USA for the band.

"THE WILDHEARTS will endeavour to make it up to every fan who has bought a ticket, and promise to release rescheduled US dates in 2007 as soon as possible."

The band added in a separate statement: "We are absolutely gutted about this. SXSW [South by Southwest] was to be the perfect showcase for the new line-up, and we were incredibly excited to let the U.S. fans see the new line-up with the shows added around the SXSW date. We are aware that this will not help our reputation for pulling shows in the U.S., but we tried everything within our power to acquire the correct work visas for this tour and we regret to inform you that they did not arrive in time. We cannot jeopardise our future visits in U.S. by travelling without the correct legal documents needed. We will reschedule the dates in NY and honour the tickets already sold. Once again, we apologise for this cancellation.

"Please keep the faith. 2007 will be a great year for the band. This is just an unfortunate set back, albeit a severely disappointing one."

THE WILDHEARTS began mixing the new album, which will be self-titled, on February 1 and will release the effort later this year on the band's own label, Round Records, in the United Kingdom and Universal Records in Japan. Round Records is currently seeking distribution in the United States.

"The Wildhearts" was recorded partly at London's Strongroom Studios, partly at a country house in Ipswich, and at a haunted castle in the Midlands. "This album is going to surprise a lot of people who considered the last WILDHEARTS album too poppy," says mainman Ginger of the new record. "There will not be any similar accusations this time around, that's for sure."

THE WILDHEARTS' new lineup sees the return of original drummer Ritch Battersby and the addition of Scott Sorry (AMEN, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION) on bass. Frontman Ginger regards Sorry as "the most energetic performer I've ever shared a stage with. His youth certainly keeps us older bastards on our toes." Ginger and guitarist CJ round out the lineup, which judging by reactions from a recent holiday show is the most solid ever.

THE WILDHEARTS are looking forward to seeing the fruits of their labor in 2007 and the band's attitude says it all. "The vibe within the group is so positive right now it's sickening!" says Ginger, "We are back and hungrier than ever."