The Killers have scrapped a number of concerts in Australia just weeks after they axed their tour of Asia - putting the cancellations down to the illness of a family member. The rockers pulled out of their planned performances in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea, and blamed the decision on "unforeseen circumstances."

Now the band's Australian tour has followed suit, with the group axing a show in Sydney on Friday night, as well as an appearance at the upcoming Good Vibrations music festival in Sydney and Perth over the weekend.

A statement from the band reads, "The Killers had hoped that the Australian leg of their current tour would be completed as planned, but due to the severity of the illness of a close family member, they regretfully announce the cancellation of their Sydney Enmore show as well as their shows at Good Vibrations Festival Sydney and Good Vibrations Festival Perth this weekend. The band apologizes to their Australian fans and asks for their understanding. The Killers still intend to perform at the Good Vibrations Festival's Gold Coast and Melbourne shows next weekend."

The rockers have also moved to dispel rumors of an impending split, insisting their planned break at the end of the Australian tour will not spell the end for the group.

The statement adds, "The Killers would also like to take this opportunity to assure their fans that any concerns about the future of the band are unfounded. They are all looking forward to some time off at the end of this tour as they have been on the road for a long time, but there are no plans for an indefinite hiatus."

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