Depeche Mode cancelled their show in Athens, Greece, May 12th because singer Dave Gahan was rushed to a hospital, Reuters has reported. The band is currently on tour to promote its newest release,  Sounds of the Universe, and shows are booked through 2010. The band is also scheduled to play in Sofia, Bulgaria, on May 18.  As of yet, there are no reports as to whether Gahan’s illness will result in further cancellations.

"We regret today’s performance has to be cancelled… David Gahan fell ill in his dressing room," a concert organiser told the audience of 20 000 at the Greek capital’s Terra Vibe Park.  According to the AFP, organisers suggested that Gahan might have suffered from "suspected gastroenteritis".

This has come less than a week from the scheduled show at the Vassil Levski national stadium in Sofia. Potential cancellation would be heartbreaking for the band's numerous contingent here. Arguably, the cancellation in Athens could apply more pressure on the Bulgarian show with increasing international demand expected and a possible influx of Greek fans who want to see their heroes in Sofia.

The Vassil Levski show in Bulgaria will be part of their Tour of the Universe 2009. Belgrade and Zagreb, under the umbrella of the Tuborg Greek Fest. Late in April, just before the show in Bulgaria, Depeche Mode released their 12th studio album, which will be promoted in Sofia along with the band's vintage classics.

Tickets are sold at the NDK ticket centre and are priced between 40 and 80 leva.

Depeche Mode are one of the most enduring, most successful and influential bands to have emerged from the New Wave era. They have had 45 songs in the UK Singles Chart, as well as number one albums in the UK, US and Europe. According to EMI, Depeche Mode have sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, as part of total worldwide record sales in excess of 100 million.