Blue October’s Blue October

Blue October has canceled its “Pick Up The Phone Tour 2009,” saying frontman Justin Furstenfeld’s hospitalization is the reason for nixing a month’s worth of dates.

The tour was scheduled to begin tonight in Charleston, S.C.

Photo: Joel Capra

San Jose Civic Auditorium, San Jose, Calif.

Doctors are treating Furstenfeld for having experienced an extreme mental anxiety attack, a somewhat ironic situation because the tour’s aim was to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems, depression and suicide. In addition to his Blue October duties, Furstenfeld was also the spokesman for the tour.

“Mental health diseases are unpredictable,” Furstenfeld said. “And on the eve of this tour in support of a cause that means the world to me, I am in need of time to heal from a setback in my own personal life, which is severe enough for me to seek hospitalization. I hope that my action to seek the strength and safety of treatment will inspire others that are suffering to do the same.”

The tour was to benefit suicide prevention. Organizations involved with the tour included To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA), Postsecret.com, Synclife.com and 1-800-SUICIDE – The National Hopeline Networks. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.

Click here for the Blue October website.