Depeche Mode front man Dave Gahan has undergone surgery to remove a tumour from his bladder.

The band have been forced to cancel and reschedule part of their current world tour in recent weeks after Gahan fell ill before a show in Athens.

A statement on the band's official website reads: “On May 12th, lead singer Dave Gahan suffered a severe bout of gastroenteritis, leading to his hospitalization and the cancellation of the Athens concert.

“While in hospital, further medical tests revealed a low-grade malignant tumour in Dave's bladder, which has since been successfully removed.

“At doctors' orders Dave Gahan must take a break until June 8th, to ensure that he makes a full recovery. The Leipzig show on June 8th will be the first concert following Dave's recovery.”

(by Daniel Melia)