The band explained in a statement that the tour schedule “only gives us a couple of weeks to finish our new double album before we hit the road again, and we know this just isn’t enough time to complete the project to our total satisfaction.”

The Cure recently completed a successful tour of Australasia but said the live show will be revamped and new songs will be incorporated for the North American trek.

“So although we can agree it is a great shame to move these dates – believe us we have been looking forward to them more than anyone! – and know there will be a lot of disappointed people out there, we honestly feel that in the bigger picture we are making the right decision.”

All tickets held for all 2007 North American Cure shows will be valid for the re-scheduled 2008 shows and refunds will be available.All ticket validity /refund/ rescheduling details will be announced soon.

The Cure will go forward with its headlining slot at the San Francisco Download Festival October 6, and will perform as scheduled at the MTV Latin America Awards October 18.

“We will also play the three scheduled Sports Palace Mexico City shows October 20/21/22, as by this point we feel sure we will have finished the new album, and will be more than happy to start dropping a fresh song or three into the set each night,” the band stated.