The Streets cancel gigs as bassist gets swine flu

The Streets were forced to cancel both their shows this weekend after the band's bassist contracted swine flu.

Singer Mike Skinner apologised to fans on his Twitter webpage, but asked them to spare a thought for the man "suffering with the terrible virus".

The band had been due to headline the Summer Sundae festival in Leicester tomorrow and play Edinburgh's Picture House on Sunday.

The Summer Sundae organisers said indie band Idlewild would now be moved up the bill to close the main stage tomorrow.

Skinner wrote on Twitter: "Just as i get the all clear, my bass player wayney is diagnosed with swine flu.

"This weekend is not going to happen. i want to cry for socialist and capitalist reasons.

"It is with sincere regret that we've had to cancel this weekends shows. i think my previous messages have demonstrated my frustration."

Skinner posted a link to a song called He's Behind You, He's Got Swine Flu, and asked fans to "listen to the bassline ... and spare a thought for the guy who played it, suffering with the terrible virus".

He also said the band would try to reschedule the Edinburgh gig.