The Zutons tour to go ahead without Abi Harding

The Zutons’ saxophonist Abi Harding has been forced to pull out of the band’s Irish tour due to ill health.

The gigs, all of which are sold out, will go ahead ‘sans saxophone’ at Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre (December 11), Derry’s Nerve Centre (12) and The Spring & Airbrake, Belfast (13).

Having rescheduled the original dates due to drummer Sean Payne’s ill health in November, the band did not want to cause further disappointment or inconvenience.

"When we heard the news about Abi," said singer Dave McCabe, "we decided that, rather than let our fans down, we would still do the shows. We hope our fans understand it's not the ideal situation, but we promise we will do our best."