Frank Ocean scraps tour after vocal cord tear

R&B singer Frank Ocean has scrapped his tour of Australia after suffering a tear to one of his vocal cords.

The star launched his shows Down Under in Melbourne on Thursday night (15Jul13), but he battled throat problems throughout his first gig, and sought medical help as soon as he stepped off stage.

Ocean was diagnosed with a vocal cord tear and he has scrapped the rest of his Australian tour, including planned performances in Sydney and at the Splendour in the Grass music festival.

A statement from tour promoters Live Nation reads, "(We) regret to announce that Frank Ocean's remaining Australian dates will not go ahead due to illness. After last night's concert in Melbourne at Festival Hall, it was necessary to seek medical advice due to vocal issues Frank Ocean experienced during the show.

"It has subsequently been confirmed that Frank has suffered a small tear to one of his vocal cords and has received medical advice that he must rest his voice. This makes the completion of his remaining Australian dates impossible."

The dates will not be rescheduled, but tour bosses hope to bring Ocean back to Australia "as soon as is practical".

Ocean is due back on stage at the Osheaga Festival in Montreal, Canada which kicks off on 2 August (13), but it is not yet known whether he plans to go ahead with the show.