Flight of the Conchords have been forced to postpone their upcoming UK and Ireland tour dates after Bret McKenzie of the group broke a bone in his hand. Fans have been advised to hold onto their tickets and await news of rescheduled dates.

The duo, comprised of McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, had been due to perform eight arena dates across the country, starting tonight with the first of two shows at London's Eventim Apollo and finishing at Liverpool's Echo Arena on Sun 1 Apr. The tour was also due to take in performances in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin, but after a well attended band meeting the difficult decision has been made to postpone the shows.

It's understood that no serious consideration was given to the idea of replacing the injury stricken axe man with a tape machine.

McKenzie, who in addition to his role in the cult New Zealand group, won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the outstanding 'Man or Muppet', written for the 2011 movie The Muppets, said he was gutted to cancel the shows.

He tweeted. 'Unfortunately I've broken two bones in my hand today in a very rock 'n' roll injury – falling down some stairs.

'The doctors have informed me that I won't be able to perform for several weeks. I'm sorry not to be able to do these upcoming shows but I'm looking forward to coming back and finishing the tour when I have two fully functioning hands.'

And an additional statement from the band said: 'Due to a hand injury that Bret McKenzie has suffered, Metropolis Music, Live Nation Entertainment, Chambers Touring and Flight of the Conchords regrettably announce the postponement and imminent rescheduling of the Flight of the Conchords Sing Flight of the Conchords tour.

'Bret and Jemaine are extremely sorry and deeply saddened that they cannot perform for their UK fans, who have waited so patiently.'

A new tour schedule is currently being put together – ticket holders and fans are advised to sit tight and wait for the new information.