Keane In Gig Incident

Keane singer Tom Chaplin was stuck down with a severe throat infection and gastro enteritis during the first of the band’s two Warchild charity shows, forcing him to leave the stage - twice - to throw up. Hmmm tasty.

As we previously reported, Keane were scheduled to play two live shows to raise money and awareness for Warchild this week. The first at the Manchester Apollo last night (October 31) and the second at Brixton Academy tonight.

However disaster struck on Wednesday when singer Tom became sick. But somehow he battled through last night's gig, with slightly unpleasant and, one imagines, slightly unhygienic results. A statement from the event organisers reads:

“Tom from Keane was struck down with a severe throat infection and gastro enteritis during rehearsals for the Keane War child event. On stage in Manchester, Tom had to leave to vomit on at least two occasions, after being sick all day, but like a true professional Tom played on – delighting the Manchester audience and raising thousands for War Child.

“The show had to finish 15 minutes early as paramedics had to be called, but Peter Kaye held court delighting a satisfied and sympathetic audience.”

However, tonight’s show – which also includes performances from Lilly Allen, The Pet Shop Boys and The Magic Numbers – will still be going ahead despite Tom’s illness, as the statement continues “War Child is an extremely important charity to him and Keane and in his own words... The show must go on!”

These two events and the release of Keane’s new single 'The Night Sky' are part of Warchild's appeal to raise £1.5million for the children of Iraq. For more information see http://www.warchild.org.uk/

Xfm would like to wish Tom all the best for tonight's performance.
Keanefas wish the best for Tom and for tonight's performance and we wish the best for all of them!
XFM Article

Tim's answer to a fan in the official forum:

Dear Christine,

There's a fairly simple answer to your question. When we left the stage Richard and I were totally uncertain as to whether we would be able to come back on and play at least a couple more songs. We had even discussed the option of me singing a couple of the songs if Tom did have to pull out of performing. It was only when we were already off stage that we had to make a snap decision to stop completely and to ask Peter to round the evening off - an eventuality we had agreed beforehand. Once he was on stage and entertaining the crowd in his inimitable style, it would have been rude and unprofessional for me or Richard to interrupt.

It was a incredibly difficult situation and one that had no easy solution. I understand your confusion and frustration, and can only say we're truly very sorry that we couldn't play our whole set. I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank you and everyone else for coming to the show tonight and supporting War Child. Lookling at the wider picture, it has been a momentous night. The ticket sales from tonight alone have raised an incredible amount of money - looks like about £50,000 - that will directly influence and improve the lives of children in Iraq.

I hope that thought, and my attempt at explaining what went on, will offer some consolation.

Thanks again,

tim
Article by Tim