A ROCK band has pulled out of a Hampshire gig just hours before they were due on stage.

Two-piece Royal Blood were due to play a sold-out show at The Pyramids Centre, Southsea tonight.

But a statement on the duo’s website said bassist and singer Mike Kerr has been diagnosed with severe tonsillitis and is unable to perform.

Shows in Oxford and Bristol, which were due to happen over the next two days, have also been put off.

The statement said: “We regret to advise that due to illness Royal Blood must postpone their shows in Portsmouth, Oxford and Bristol due to illness. Mike has been diagnosed with severe tonsillitis and further to medical advice is not well enough to perform.

“Customers are advised to retain their tickets and await further information with regard to rescheduled dates which will be planned and announced as quickly as possible.

“We wish to sincerely apologise to all ticket holders for the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused.”

Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher formed in 2013 and their self-titled first album released in August was the fastest selling debut rock record in the UK for three years.