It is with great sadness that Thieves' Kitchen must announce the cancellation of their gigs in 2009.

Throughout last year's jaunt to Europe supporting the release of The Water Road, our guitarist Phil Mercy experienced pains in his left hand . When prolonged rest of the hand over Christmas saw only a degradation in the condition, he sought medical help earlier this year. For the technically minded, the condition he has is known as Extensor Tenosynovitis broadly similar to RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

At this time it's hoped that surgery will not be necessary and a program of Physiotherapy has been embarked upon, treating it very much like a sporting injury. Whilst given time Phil can expect a full recovery, the specialist has informed him that the intense rehearsal and gigging schedule planned for the band in 2009 would have been highly likely to cause permanent damage to the inflamed tendons in his left arm, with long term implications for his guitar playing ability.

The band were very much looking forward to performing at FMPM, Orion Studios, and the CRS this year and hope that those planning to attend, and the greater progressive rock community, will understand and support the difficult decision we've now had to make.

For TK, we've had little chance to think of a 'plan-B' for 2009 but, with live work out of the question until Phil recovers, the emphasis is likely to be on composition for album number 5. As a band we've had challenges before, and we're sure we'll have more in the future, but with your support we've always persevered.

So, again, many apologies to you all, especially to the festival and gig organisers who were good enough to invite us to play and who put so much time and effort into keeping this music we love alive. We hope to make up for it in future years, fates willing.

Amy, Phil, Thomas, Andy, Mark - Thieves' Kitchen