Snow Patrol, already deservedly hyped in their home country of Ireland and throughout much of Europe, are on the verge of mainstream success here in America. Their climb to the top hit a bump this week as the band had to cancel a few shows due to frontman Gary Lightbody's voice being strained. After seeing a voice specialist and being put on vocal rest, Gary posted a message on the band's MySpace page the other day:

"I've some bad news. Were going to have to postpone the shows today, May 29, in Atlanta and Wednesday, May 31st in D.C.

We are trying to add these shows in at the end of this tour. Failing that we are back to do some radio shows in mid-August and we will schedule them there.

The reason for this is my voice is in pieces. You may have seen us on Good Morning America this morning and if you did youll be aware I barely scraped through it and that was only one song.

When we began the Eyes Open tour in Feb of this year I was told by my doctor a few days before hand that I had laryngitis and it would be best if I took a week off to recover. I told him I didnt have a week as we had shows pretty much every day. All the gigs so far have been a struggle for me. Unfortunately now I can barely hit any notes. My entire upper range has disappeared into a whisper.

Some of you may come to the conclusion that this is because were a party band and were out every night getting messed up. Yes we like a drink. I however have taken it reasonably easy since Feb in that department and I havent been drinking on this US tour at all and Ive every intention of not partying for the duration of it. In fact Ive been in the gym every morning and eating right.

In short Im taking it very seriously. The simple fact is that my voice is worn out."

A spokesman for the band tells Earvolution that the Boston show scheduled for tomorrow night, June 2nd, has been canceled as well.