Def Leppard cancel US tour dates
Lead singer Joe Elliott originally auditioned as a guitarist
Rock band Def Leppard have called off a string of North America tour dates due to "unforeseen personal matters".
In a statement on their website, the Sheffield band said they "don't take cancelling shows lightly," but "life's commitments need to be the priority".
The act were due to pay 23 dates on the final leg of their North America tour, which was scheduled to end on 28 November in Beaumont, Texas.
Earlier this year, the five-piece headlined the Download Festival.
They also performed with Taylor Swift at the Country Music Television Awards ceremony in June.
In their statement, the band said they "agonised" over the decision to cancel shows.
"We know how truly blessed we are to have such committed fans. Even if just a single concert, we don't take cancelling shows lightly," they said.
Fans will receive automatic refunds if they who purchased tickets via the phone, internet or Ticketmaster.
Otherwise refunds will be available at point of purchase, organisers said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8314039.stm