White Stripes cancel 18 U.S. tour dates

The White Stripes have cancelled upcoming tour dates in the U.S. because of health issues for drummer Meg White.

"Meg White is suffering from acute anxiety and is unable to travel at this time," the Detroit duo said Tuesday in a posting on their website.

"We hate to let people down and are very sorry."

Meg White is said to be shy and likes to guard her privacy. In most interviews, singer-guitarist Jack White does the talking.

The White Stripestook a cross-Canada tour this summer including first-time dates in Whitehorse, Yellowknifeand Iqaluit. That tour ended inSt. John'son July 17.

They have cancelled 18 shows, starting with Thursday's show in Albuquerque, N.M., and extending to Oct. 10, when they were to play in Hawaii.

However, no announcement has yet been made about their tour of the U.K., which is scheduled to start Oct. 24 in Glasgow.

The White Stripes are touring in support of their latest album Icky Thump.