Roxette appear to be the latest group affected by rising tour expenses, telling followers that Live Nation cancelled their planned North American concerts because of the increasing costs.

Every US and Canadian date on the Swedish pop group’s 40th anniversary tour was called off late last month, on July 25. People who had purchased tickets received notifications confirming that refunds would be issued.

The concerts were scheduled for venues throughout North America, with Roxette leading a three artist lineup that also featured 1980s favourites Nick Lowe and Taylor Dayne. A message posted through the band’s social media stated: “Due to logistics and hugely increased touring costs, Live Nation US has decided to postpone the Northamerican [sic] tour. Hope to see you some other time down the road.”

Founding member and singer Per Gessle later offered further details about the cancellation, stressing that Live Nation had made the choice. “Lena [Philipsson, the new vocalist], I and the band are of course disappointed. We were really looking forward to this northamerican tour and US is by far our biggest streaming market.

“This decision was made by Live Nation USA, which they probably based on their own calculations. I hope we can play for our fab fans in the USA and Canada at some point in the near future.”

The North American run was scheduled to start at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, on September 10. It would have concluded at White River Amphitheatre in Washington on October 9.

NME has contacted Live Nation seeking a response.

Roxette’s cancellation arrives amid several widely discussed tour changes involving both current performers and established acts. The situation has been labelled “blue dot fever”, referring to the large number of empty seats displayed as blue dots on ticket maps for concerts struggling with sales.

David Lee Roth, Lily Allen and Zayn Malik are among the musicians who have cancelled complete tours or substantial portions of their schedules this year. Post Malone and Jelly Roll’s shared stadium run has also faced cancellations.