The Killers have cancelled three dates on their Australian tour “due to the severity of the illness of a close family member”.

The shows affected were scheduled for Sydney tomorrow (February 12) and two appearances at the Good Vibrations festival this weekend.

In a statement, the band apologised to their fans but said they still intended to complete the final two dates on the tour next week.

They also hit back at recent reports that claimed the group were on the verge of splitting up.

“The Killers would also like to take this opportunity to assure their fans that any concerns about the future of the band are unfounded,” the statement said.

“They are all looking forward to some time off at the end of this tour as they have been on the road for a long time, but there are no plans for an indefinite hiatus.”

The Killers' last album, 'Day & Age', was released in 2008.

(by Jason Gregory)