Jet pulls out of White Stripe support slots [updated]

A family bereavement has forced Jet to pull out of their White Stripe gigs at Marlay Park (August 24) and the Tennent's ViTal festival (August 25). They will also miss their headlining performance at this weekend's V festival.

Replacing the Aussie band in Dublin and Belfast will be Mundy and Desert Hearts respectively.

A statement issued by a band's spokesman reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Mr John Cester, father of Nic and Chris Cester, died earlier this week. Therefore, the difficult decision has been reached to cancel the band's headline performance at this year's V Festival. At this dreadfully difficult time, we request that the privacy of Nic and Chris, and their family and friends is respected. Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy extends to Nic, Chris and the Cester family."

MCD's Denis Desmond, organiser of both the V and Marlay Park events, said: “Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy extends to Nic, Chris and the Cester family. It is regrettable that Jet will not be appearing but we and their fans will completely understand their decision.”