Set to kick off their Australian tour this weekend with The Dandy Warhols, Aussie legends Hoodoo Gurus have been forced to postpone the tour due to a positive COVID-19 test within the band's camp.
On Wednesday (30 March), Gurus drummer Nik Rieth tested positive to COVID-19 and is currently self-isolating.Given the band had been rehearsing together in preparation for the tour up until when Nik first began experiencing COVID symptoms, and with The Dandy Warhols still to depart for Australia, Hoodoo Gurus and management have made the precautionary call to postpone the tour, with rescheduled dates to be announced soon.
"Just when you think you've seen it all!" begins Hoodoo's frontman Dave Faulkner. "It goes without saying that we are devastated at this terrible turn of events.
"All four band members and our road crew are triple-vaccinated and we have been scrupulous in trying to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 but, despite our best efforts, this sneaky virus got past our guard.
"It's early days yet, but Nik is currently doing well so we are hopeful he will make a speedy recovery.
"Brad, Rick and I are all still fit and healthy, however it wouldn't surprise us if one or all of us also turns out to be COVID-positive in the coming days.
"We spent several hours rehearsing together on Tuesday, the day before Nik started feeling unwell. As close contacts, we are all currently self-isolating as required by NSW Health guidelines.
"We've been dreaming about doing this tour for so long that it's especially heartbreaking to have come so close.
"Hopefully we and The Dandy Warhols can reschedule for later this year or, heaven help us all, early next year. We'll let you know exactly when as soon as possible and full refunds will be available at that time for anyone who wants one but, as the saying goes, 'good things come to those who wait' so please #keepyourtickets if you can.
"The Hoodoo Gurus have been going for 40 bloody years and after all this time we've learned not to worry – because we know that this too shall pass."
Zia McCabe of The Dandy Warhols adds: "All good things come to those who wait. . . and wait. . . and wait. . . I am as disappointed as I imagine everyone else is to hear we have to reschedule this tour yet again.
"I have to believe that the pent-up energy that's been building and building is going to explode into a truly massive concussion of rock and roll when we finally get to play these shows!
"Save your tickets friends, it will be worth the wait."
The tour was scheduled to begin in Perth on Saturday before travelling to Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney and Brisbane.
