Synthpop legends The Human League were forced to pull out of a headline performance at the Lytham Festival last night (4 August) when a member of the band was suddenly taken ill.
A statement issued today confirms that “One of the band members was taken ill quite suddenly late in the evening and was barely able to stand let alone perform… The person in question was treated by one of the onsite paramedics and returned to the hotel to rest. We thank you all for your concern and we are happy to say they are feeling a little better this morning.”
The statement adds: “That was the first time in the band’s entire career that we have had to cancel a show because of illness and it was not something we were at all happy to do, but we had no choice.” The band also thanked the festival’s promoters and Midge Ure, who extended his own set at short notice to cover for the League’s absence.
No further information has been released, but it is believed to be lead singer Phil Oakey who was affected after former League member Martyn Ware tweeted “Get well Phil.” This has not been confirmed by the band, nor has the nature of the band member’s illness been disclosed.
@humanleagueHQ @LythamFestival @midgeure1 pic.twitter.com/KpfnHQiPl5
— The Human League (@humanleagueHQ) August 5, 2017
Get well Phil #TheHumanLeague
— martynware (@martynware) August 5, 2017
