Hello Sailor frontman Graham Brazier has been hospitalised after suffering a heart attack forcing the cancellation of the band's reunion tour.
The 62 year-old suffered the heart attack while on holiday in the Bay of Islands last week and was flown to Auckland Hospital where he underwent emergency treatment.
He is now in a stable condition and and expected to recover, says the tour's promoter.
"I know that Graham was looking forward to the tour, we all were, but we wish our mate a speedy recovery and trust we can get Hello Sailor back on the road again in the future once he is better, " says bandmate Harry Lyon.
The veteran band was to have started a national 40th anniversary jaunt early next month but that has been cancelled with the Auckland Powerstation gig on September 18 becoming a benefit concert for the singer.
"We are all really shocked by this and because Graham will not be able to perform while he recuperates we have all decided to try and raise some money to get he and his family through a very, very difficult time," says promoter Brent Eccles.
Refunds for tickets for the other shows on the tour are available from point of sale, or can be turned into donations towards Brazier via ticketing agencies.