Poorly Franz Ferdinand Bassist Writes Message To Fans

Franz Ferdinand bassist Bob Hardy has confirmed he’s on the mend after being struck down with a severe stomach bug, through a message on the band’s website.

As reported earlier this week on Gigwise, Hardy was taken to hospital on Sunday (November 28) while the band was on its sell-out tour of Japan. He was later diagnosed with gastroenteritis and has since then remained in hospital in Tokyo.

Hardy missed the band’s remaining show in Japan, with Dino, the bassist from support act The Beat Up standing in for him.

He will also miss the first two dates of Franz’s US tour beginning tonight (December 1) in Detroit and continuing tomorrow in Philadelphia.

He is expected to re-join the band for their show in New Jersey on December 3. 

The message written from Hardy’s hospital bed reads:

“Hello everyone, it's me Bob.

"I’m typing from Tokyo where I’m still recovering from a stomach bug. I’m well on the road to recovery and am flying out to New York to join the band for the show in New Jersey on Friday.

"I’m going to miss the first two shows of the U.S. tour but have deputised Toshi, of The Fiery Furnaces, for bass playing duties. I’m sorry to miss the shows in Detroit and Philadelphia but if I’d have left the hospitable [sic] too early there was a good chance my illness would have worsened again and I might have ended back in hospital somewhere in the U.S. possibly missing even more shows.

"I’m looking forward to re-joining the tour on Friday and am sure that the temporary Bob-less line up will be fantastic. I wish I was there to see it.

"Thank you for all your messages of support.

“Best Wishes.

“Bob”

Following the US tour, Franz will hit the studio early next year to complete work on their second album.