Folk musician Damien Jurado has axed all his scheduled shows due to deteriorating health.

The singer/songwriter was due to play at Brisbane Festival in Australia and embark on his first tour Down Under in September (14) but all forthcoming shows have been axed due to ill health.

In a post on Facebook.com, Jurado writes, "Due to health matters, all scheduled shows have been cancelled. It was a tough call, but I must take my health seriously. During this time I hope to get into full recovery, so that I can get back to doing what I love most - sharing my songs with you in a live setting...

"Can't thank you all enough for your love and support, it means the world to me. I apologise if my previous post alarmed anyone. I am ok and will be back at it soon. I am so thankful to all of you who supported this upcoming tour and this last album, I look forward to making these shows up in the future. Blessings."

Lurado has not revealed the nature of his illness.