A MAJOR nineties rock band has been forced to pull out of their festival slot in Scotland just hours before taking the stage.
The group withdrew following “medical advice” leaving fans devastated by the last-minute decision.
Nineties rock band James is forced to cancel festival performance at the last minute as lead singer Tim Booth loses voice Credit: Getty
James were set to headline Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival this weekend Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Hailing from Manchester, rock band James were set to headline Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival this weekend.
Around 20,000 festival-goers are expected to have headed to the Highlands festival, between Thursday and Saturday.
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The packed lineup features big names including The Human League, Mika, Scouting for Girls and Rizzle Kicks.
In a turn of events it’s been revealed that The Sit Down hitmakers’ lead singer Tim Booth has a viral infection which has left him unable to perform.
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Just hours before they were due onstage, the group took to Instagram to share a video featuring frontman Tim Booth, who revealed he had lost his voice.
Dressed in a poncho an under-the-weather Booth said: “It’s with deep regret that I have to tell you we have to cancel this gig tonight at Belladrum.
“I’ve been fighting off a viral infection for a few days and I’ve finally lost my voice – this deep, sexy rasp is not my usual voice – and I can no longer sing.”
“So, yeah, we hardly ever cancel. We have no choice this time.
“We’re here, the band’s here, the crew’s here. I know many of you have come in for miles around to see this concert and it’s awful. I hate letting you down. We hate letting people down. But I’m so sorry.”
“I hope that we will be back and we’ll be back within a few years and make sure we make it up to you at that point.”
The Sit Down hitmakers’ lead singer Tim Booth has a viral infection which has left him unable to perform Credit: Getty
The last-minute decision has left fans devastated Credit: Getty
Adding a caption alongside the post, It was revealed that rock band Razorlight will be stepping in to fill the headline slot.
It read: “@razorlightofficial have very kindly stepped in to close the festival. Have a great festival. Nothing but love to you all.”
Fans flooded the comments to share their disappointment at the late cancellation.
One user said: Awww so sad to miss you but I completely respect the fact that these things happen. Hope you can make it up here soon xx”
Another penned: “Absolutely gutted, this was my end to an amazing weekend but health is more important.”
“Damn that’s a shame… Such an amazing live band….” a third added.
James are best known for their massive songs Sit Down, Come Home and She’s A Star.
The band was formed in the 80s but first achieved fame in the 90s for their hit tracks.
However, there was a line-up change before the band achieved commercial success.
In 1988, drummer Gavan Whelan was asked to leave James following an on-stage fight with frontman Tim.
The band has undergone several line-up changes too, and is now made up of Booth, Jim Glennie, David Baynton-Power, Saul Davies, Mark Hunter, Andy Diagram, Adrian Oxaal, Chloe Alper and Debbie Knox-Hewson.
The band have had continued commercial success having sold over 25 million albums to date.
