In a statement posted to the official Snow Patrol Facebook account, Gary Lightbody said: “We are sorry to have to announce the cancellation of more shows.
“Our dear brother, piano and guitar player Johnny McDaid has a serious problem with his neck and after consulting with some top neurosurgeons they are all in agreement that the only course of action is immediate surgery.
“We are all of course worried about our brother Johnny.
“He is a force of nature and a giant light in our lives on stage and off and we of course will give him all the time and support he needs to recover. Johnny has been incredible in the wake of this news and has remained calm at a time when a lot of people might freak out.
“As for the upcoming shows: to replace Johnny it would take at least two people and with Nathan still out with nerve damage (he is slowly on the mend) he is also still unable to play guitar we feel it’s just not appropriate to continue with shows at this stage. It isn’t just their guitars and pianos that would be missed.
“Their backing vocals are essential to our sound and their energy and spirits are colossal and are irreplaceable forces.”
The frontman continued: “We are sure you all understand that at this point the most important thing is to take time to let our brothers heal and recover so we need to cancel the forthcoming shows we are billed to play in Europe this summer up to Latitude on the 20th of July to give them both time to recover.
DROP OUT: Snow Patrol will no longer play Glastonbury (Pic: GETTY)
OVERHAUL: The official EE Glastonbury app has been revamped for 2019 (Pic: EE)
“As the doctors have said Nathan needs another four weeks recovery we are sure that we will be able to do the acoustic tour of Asia, Australia and New Zealand in August as Nathan will very likely be healed in time.
“We will of course keep you informed of both Nathan’s and Johnny’s progress.
“We have hardly ever cancelled shows in 25 years together and we don’t do it lightly. We hope you all understand. We are sorry to miss the shows but health is the most important thing. All our love and healing to our brothers Johnny and Nathan.”
CONCERN: Johnny McDaid has to undergo immediate surgery (Pic: GETTY)
SUPERSTAR: Miley Cyrus will play Glastonbury next weekend (Pic: GETTY)
Meanwhile, Glastonbury added: “Unfortunately Snow Patrol have been forced to withdraw from their Other Stage performance at Glastonbury 2019, which was due to be on Friday at 6.30pm.
“That slot will now be taken by The Charlatans.”
This year, The Cure, The Killers and Stomzy will all headlining the weekend.
Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus, Janet Jackson and Diplo will all play sets at Worthy Farm.
Aussie superstar Kylie will take to the stage on Sunday to play the “legends slot”.
