Francis has throat problems that may result in surgery. European dates are expected to be rescheduled for June, but watch this space.
The following is taken from Francis' online blog:
Here's the email I had to send my booking agents, record label and promoters:
Hello all
I went to the throat specialist on 2/22/05 because my voice is just a little bit more than a gargle at this point.
They showed me the video of the inside of my throat. It looked like an abused vagina.
I have a polyp that is actually bleeding. And some older wounds that are there trying to heal. Fucking hell, man... this shit won't end.
Even though I have taken great care of myself outside of the shows, I think the perfomances were a little too wild and too demanding on my pussy throat. I am toning down the strain I put on my voice.
The Dr's recommendation was that I stop the tour, which I am not going to do (for various reasons.) So that puts me at risk of needing throat surgery at the end of this tour (worst case scenerio, but a probable one according to what the doctor told me.)
What I am going to do is cancel my next two shows, which are Salt Lake City, UT and Boise, Idaho.
I will use these two shows to rest and hopefully heal up. I am not talking at all unless I am on stage. I do think that this tour was packed too densely, but I accept responsibility for agreeing to do it when it was presented to me.
If it turns out I do need surgery at the end of this tour, then that will affect my European Tour in April. I know this isn't anything any of y'all want to hear... and I don't want to say it. If I need surgery then I need to get it over with as soon as this tour ends. Because I have other plans.
My deepest apologies go out to everyone that this affects. I want you all to know that I would not do this unless it was absolutely necessary. I may lose fans and burn bridges in SLC and Boise... but if this 2 day rest allows me to finish out this tour (one month left)...then that is a necessary evil.
I am sorry. I know some of you will say "Oh yeah, man... do what you gotta do as long as you stay healthy" because you have to... but inside you are not cool with it. Because that's how I am. Heh. I am not cool with this. I have been fighting it and it is a losing battle at this point.
I am doing everything I possibly can to stay healthy and finish out this tour on a good note. The shows thusfar have been SO incredible and they need to continue.
serious face,
sage