It turns out this pony crapped out before it ever got out of the gate. Placebo was set to take on their North American tour on September 12, but the trip has been scrapped since singer Brian Molko contracted a virus while in Asia and will need sufficient time to recover. Molko first showed signs of the virus by collapsing during a set at the Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka, Japan. Doctor’s have mandated bed rest for a minimum of six weeks.

In response to Molko’s illness, the band’s management released the following statement, “This is pretty devastating for everyone – we’ve only ever cancelled three shows in Placebo’s 14-year history, however Brian’s health is paramount. Our sincere apologies go out to Placebo’s loyal American fans who have waited a long time to see the band. We will try and do everything to rearrange the dates as soon as possible.”

Refunds will be issued for all cancelled shows, and should be returned to the point of purchase.

Placebo will be jumping the pond to tour North American hot on the heals of their highly anticipated album “Battle for the Sun.” The tour will break ground in Portland, Oregon on September 12 then close on October 11 at Terminal 5 in New York. The group is currently hitting the festival circuit in Europe as a precursor to the US jaunt and will return for more dates spanning through December.

The critically hailed album, “Battle for the Sun” debuted at number on in 9 countries and in the top 5 in 25. “Battle” fought to climb its way to 51 on the Billboard 100 charts, marking the band’s first placement on the US charts. The UK band’s first single “For What It’s Worth” continues to get heavy playtime on Modern Rock stations. The album marks the band’s second time working with producer David Bottrill (Tool, Muse). Tickets for all the Placebo tour dates are currently onsale at Ticketmaster.

Placebo 2009 Tour Dates
September 2009
12 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
13 – Seattle, WA – Showbox at The Market
14 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Commodore Ballroom
16 – Murray, UT – Murray Theater
17 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
20 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia Live
21 – San Diego, CA – SOMA San Diego
23 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre
25 – Austin, TX – La Zona Rosa
26 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
27 – Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club

October 2009
2 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
3 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
4 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
6 – Toronto, Ontario – Sound Academy
7 – Montreal, Quebec – Metropolis
10 – Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights
11 – New York, NY – Terminal 5