Dave Gahan rushed to hospital

Depeche Mode cancelled a concert after singer Dave Gahan was rushed to hospital.

The frontman was taken ill shortly before the group were due to arrive on stage in Athens, Greece, last night (12.05.09).

A concert organiser told the 20,000 expectant fans: "We regret today's performance has to be cancelled. David Gahan fell ill in his dressing room."

A spokesperson for the 'Personal Jesus' group said the 47-year-old singer had been diagnosed with gastroenteritis and hopes to be well enough to perform again later this week.

The representative said: "Dave is not well, we have had a doctor in to see him backstage and unfortunately the advice from the doctor is that Dave cannot perform.

"I apologise on behalf of Dave and Depeche Mode - Dave really wanted to be well enough to perform.

"I am very sorry there is nothing we can do - he is genuinely ill. He asked me to pass on my apologies to you all."

The group - who have sold over 45 million albums since forming in 1980 - are hoping to reschedule the cancelled show.