Fleetwood Mac cancel Australia tour as McVie battles cancer

In a Monday, Jan. 18, 1993 file photo, the rock group Fleetwood Mac, reuniting after 13 years apart, performs during the American Gala evening at the Capital Centre in Landover, Md. From left to right are, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood. Fleetwood Mac announced Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 that the group is canceling planned performances in Australia and New Zealand as bassist John McVie is treated for cancer. AP

SYDNEY – Rock group Fleetwood Mac on Monday cancelled their tour of Australia and New Zealand after founding member John McVie was diagnosed with cancer.

The band, who have just completed the European leg of their hugely successful world tour, were due to play 14 shows in Australia and New Zealand from November 10.

“John McVie, one of the co-founding and original members of Fleetwood Mac, is now scheduled to be in treatment for cancer during that period of time,” promoters Live Nation Entertainment said.

In a statement, the group apologized to their fans.

“We are sorry to not be able to play these Australian and New Zealand dates. We hope our Australian and New Zealand fans as well as Fleetwood Mac fans everywhere will join us in wishing John and his family all the best,” they said.

British-born bassist McVie, 67, has been in the group since 1967.