British rock 'n' rollers the Darkness have been forced to postpone their upcoming Australia / New Zealand tour dates due to drummer Ed Graham's severe hip problems. Having already gone through "extensive surgery" several years ago, Graham has been playing through the pain for the last few weeks, but the drummer has now been advised to rest up and undergo testing before returning to his spot behind the kit.

The Darkness triumphantly re-formed in 2011 after taking a five-year hiatus due to internal issues involving frontman Justin Hawkins' past substance abuse. The group has since returned to the spotlight clean and sober, releasing their third album, 'Hot Cakes,' in August 2012 and even touring with Lady Gaga in Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Unfortunately, the band's hot streak has come to a sudden halt, as Ed Graham's hip issues have become too severe to push any further. The Darkness posted on their Facebook page:

It is with great regret that we are having to cancel The Darkness' planned April dates in Australia / New Zealand. As some of you maybe aware, Ed has had some prior history with hip problems, which resulted in extensive surgery a few years ago, and caused him to miss some US dates in 2012. Unfortunately, over the course of the past few weeks' touring, Ed has been feeling that all is not right in that department, and has been advised to undergo some rest & tests before potentially taking a backwards step and making matters worse.

He will continue with the last few European shows and will then take some time out immediately to ensure him back to 100% fitness. This very sadly results in the immediate cancellation of the Antipodean tour. We will of course look to reschedule dates into our scheduling and itinerary as soon as possible but have nothing solid to be able to make work currently hence this being a cancellation rather than a postponement. All ticket holders can get refunds from the point of purchase.

The Darkness also feel that to visit countries which do not get enough shows by them as it is, and not have the full, proper and original band line-up, is simply not the right thing to do. To that end there won't be any possibility for stand in's or alternative Ed's for these shows and we won't be touring with any ersatz model! We hope to have details of re-scheduled shows very soon. The Darkness sends its most heartfelt apologies to everyone involved.

Stay tuned for further news on the Darkness and Ed Graham's recovery process.

More From Q 105.7