By Jill Alphonso

THE "serious illness of a close family member" was the reason American rock band The Killers cancelled their concert here yesterday, according to a post on the band's official website.

The statement, written by lead singer Brandon Flowers last Thursday, added that "the band deeply apologises to fans and hopes to reschedule shows in these cities soon. We hope you understand and respect our privacy at this difficult time".

He did not state whose family was affected.

The Killers also cancelled gigs in Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Tokyo and Seoul within the next month.

While speculation online is that they are breaking up, some wonder if Flowers has injured his throat again.

In 2007, he abruptly ended a Colorado gig after performing just two songs.

According to his doctor, he had aggravated a vocal cord, and the condition could be detrimental to his musical career.

The band went on to reschedule that show.

However, The Killers have not cancelled their Australian dates, and will play a Feb 13 gig in Sydney.

The bandmates have announced that, after the Australian shows, they will go on an "indefinite hiatus".

They have been touring non-stop since last June, and guitarist Dave Keuning reportedly told the Australian Associated Press that "we haven't had a break in quite a while".

Flowers' announcement has not appeased some fans.

"Due to the unacceptably late announcement, fans travelling to Singapore had little to no time to cancel flight tickets and accommodation," wrote netizen Busternuck on website CNNgo.

Another posting on the same website by netizen Ontogenea, who had bought tickets for both the Singapore and Hong Kong dates, said: "A good reason (for the cancellation) will go a long way in repairing the damage."

For information on refunds, contact Sistic on 6348-5555.

For more my paper stories click here.