Marc Almond's health hasn't been too great for some time and an operation is now needed to improve the Soft Cell and Mambas singer's fitness and return him back to A1 condition. To this end, the vocalist has had to cancel appearances and live work until later in the autumn.

In a statement, Marc says: "I'm extremely disappointed that I'm unable to undertake some of my commitments in the coming months. I have to finally address a health issue that has been deteriorating for several years, leading to many small illnesses and infections as well as a persistent exhaustion that have affected my live work for some time. I have carried on working though in extreme discomfort for some of the time as well as experiencing breathlessness which affects my singing".

Thankfully for his fans, Marc Almond's upcoming Pop Troubadour UK tour is not affected as the operation will take place later in October, however his Dublin date on the 3rd will NOT take place. According to Marc's website, the Bexhill show (5th Oct) will still happen.

Unfortunately, for music-lovers hoping to see him on the upcoming Jools Holland tour, he won't be appearing at any of these shows while he recuperates. Instead, Roland Gift and KT Tunstall will fill in for him. Almond is expected to return to his commitments at some point after November - we wish him well.