Sad news today as Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls confirms she will not be able to play the majority of her upcoming international dates, including The Academy, Dublin, on March 21.

She had planned to join forces with a group of musicians known as The Grand Theft Orchestra, but it will no longer go ahead. Her best friend Anthony is currently undergoing treatment for cancer in Boston, and she understandably wants to stay with him at this difficult time. She has been detailing it all on her blog, and says on her site:

"this is the hardest text i've ever had to send to this email list, because i'm usually brimming with awesome, exciting news.

this is not exciting news.

i have decided to postpone/cancel my upcoming tours so that i can stay in boston with my best friend anthony, who has cancer and is now in treatment with an uncertain outcome. "

We wish the pair the best of luck.

In terms of tickets, while Palmer is planning to make up the dates later in 2013, refunds are available from point of purchase.