Touring artists postpone and cancel shows after earthquake

Today's devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch has disrupted the tours of visiting international bands and artists.

American hard rockers Queens of The Stone Age were forced to postpone today's sold out show at Wellington's Town Hall after being stranded at Auckland airport. The show will go ahead tomorrow and all tickets remain valid. Their Christchurch show, scheduled for Thursday, has been cancelled.

US rockers The Melvins and High On Fire were in Christchurch when the earthquake hit and are unharmed.

"The Melvins and High On Fire tour party were one minute into checking in for our flight to Wellington when the earthquake struck," their manager said.

They have tried to get to Wellington but were unsuccessful as all domestic flights are stopped and the bands now face spending the night at Christchurch airport, he said.

He was trying to re-schedule Wellington's show for tomorrow and Auckland's for Thursday, but couldn't confirm anything at this point.

US singer Amanda Palmer was scheduled to play in Christchurch tonight but had to cancel her show after being stuck at Napier airport when the earthquake struck. Her Auckland show tomorrow night is going ahead.

- NZPA