By Alan Wilson

T IN THE Park fans have suffered a massive blow after superstar David Bowie cancelled his appearance at next week’s festival at Balado.

The legendary singer has a trapped nerve in his shoulder and has pulled out of all his scheduled July appearances.

It’s the second year in a row T in the Park organisers DF Concerts have had to deal with a devastating late call-off.

Last year the White Stripes pulled out at short notice after lead singer/guitarist Jack White broke his finger in a road accident.

Having just learned the news themselves, DF Concerts were unable to say whether a replacement act would be brought in or whether The Darkness would simply be promoted to headliners.

Whatever the decision taken they now face an organisational nightmare in reshuffling the bill to accommodate the changes.

The news was announced on Bowie’s official website yesterday, with a statement saying, “Due to the continuing pain and extreme discomfort from a trapped/pinched nerve in his shoulder and to prevent possible further injury, David Bowie has been advised by his doctors to cancel his performances at the eleven remaining European festival dates throughout July.

“Due to the unpredictable nature of the condition and in an effort to give fans as much warning as possible (and indeed, to aid promoters in finding a replacement headliner in time for the festival dates) David Bowie very reluctantly agreed to take the advice,” the statement added.

It went on, “But anybody that knows David will understand that he doesn’t take these decisions lightly and I’m sure you all realise how bad he will be feeling about not being able to complete the tour.”

In addition to T in the Park next Saturday, the star was also scheduled to play festivals in France, Belgium, Ireland, Spain and Switzerland.

A spokeswoman for T in the Park said, “It’s really too early to say what will happen, but we hope to issue a statement shortly.”