Pitchfork

Photo by Natalie Kardos

John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats announced on his website last week that his Australian tour-- which was scheduled to kick off April 5 in Perth-- is off, due to "personal medical reasons."

"Everybody knows I don't cancel a show unless I absolutely have to; what's worse, coming to Australia is the highlight of our year." He continues, "If it weren't serious, I would be leaving for Oz next week, believe me. You'll be doing me a great favor if you keep me in your thoughts and prayers, and if you know in your heart that I don't play around in doing right by the people I love: I will be back to make this up to you."

In other Mountain Goats news, Darnielle's installment in the 33 1/3 album-book series-- in which our folk-rock superhero delves into Black Sabbath's classic Master of Reality LP-- is due in stores April 15, and Heretic Pride, his recent high-caliber LP, is in stores now. Darnielle also appears on the new Bellafea album Cavalcade, due out May 6 on Southern.

Canceled shows:

04-05 Perth, Australia - The Rousemount
04-06 Adelaide, Australia - Fowlers Live
04-08 Melbourne, Australia - Billboard
04-09 Hobart, Australia - The Republic Bar
04-11 Newcastle, Australia - The Cambridge
04-12 Sydney, Australia - Manning Bar
04-15 Brisbane, Australia - The Zoo
04-17 Sunshine Coast, Australia - Lake Kawana Community Centre