Normally we bring you news of new and forthcoming tour activity - this time it's not quite so cheerful in the case of Fenech-Soler. According to the band's official website, lead-singer Ben Duffy has been diagnosed with 'early-stage' testicular cancer and has been forced to abandon musical activity to undergo a course of chemotherapy.

The first postponement is their impending UK tour due to start next week - all dates will be rescheduled for later in the year, following the festival season during the summer. In a statement, Duffy said:

We are really sorry to postpone these shows. The diagnosis has been a big shock for all of us but on the positive side it has been caught very early and the recovery rate for this type of cancer is extremely high.

It is thought that Ben will be fighting fit and raring to get back on stage in time for summer shows and the individual band member's DJ slots should be unaffected.

Naturally, we at Allgigs wish him all the best and a successful treatment session but, in the meantime, the band will push ahead with a new single called "Stop and Stare", re-released on 18th April, with all proceeds now being donated to Teenage Cancer Trust (www.teenagecancertrust.org). You all know the song by now - if you don't, check it out on the video, then go get it on the 18th next month!

Tour rescheduled to September/ October

The tour will now take place in September and October, with four new dates added: The Cresset in Peterborough on 20th September, which now opens the tour, a new date at Newcastle's O2 Academy on 23rd, followed by Birmingham, London (two dates now - 28th and 29th), a new gig for Bristol, Nottingham, Norwich, Leeds, Manchester and finally Brighton on 7th October.

At the moment, a new date has yet to be announced for the Cardiff gig, but we'll keep you posted as soon as we hear something.

Tickets for the new London, Peterborough, Bristol and Newcastle gigs go on sale Monday 28th March. All tickets cost £8 (except London, which will be £11) plus fees.