Vocal cord problem causes Jack White to postpone Japan tour dates

Due to "an acute vocal cord problem" afflicting singer-guitarist Jack White, the White Stripes have postponed scheduled tour dates in Japan.

The White Stripes were to play four concerts beginning Thursday in Tokyo and ending Monday in Nagoya, &to=http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/91/366/14587_islands.html' target=_blank>Japan.

"As part of his treatment, the doctors have instructed Jack not to speak or sing for the next two weeks," a recent message on the band's Web site read. "We sincerely apologize to our Japanese fans and friends and hope to reschedule dates as soon as we can."

The White Stripes will resume their tour Jan. 20 at the Big Day Out Festival in Auckland, New Zealand. They continue with five concerts in Australia, also with the festival.