Cellular breakdown

Soft Cell's October 16 visit to the Dublin Ambassador has been cancelled as a result of Marc Almond being taken "severely ill" with an aggravated hernia.

Says a spokesperson: "Having previously avoided treatment for the condition due to promotional commitments, Marc was taken to hospital yesterday in extreme pain and will require an immediate operation."

With Almond out of commission for at least a fortnight, they've been forced to pull the whole of their European tour.

"We're very disappointed that Soft Cell will miss the opportunity to play to their fans but it's impossible that Marc could perform effectively in his current condition."