Status Quo have been forced to axe their European tour after guitarist Rick Parfitt was taken ill in Croatia. The band had been due to play in the northern city of Pula tonight (August 2nd), but were forced to pull out just hours before the concert was set to begin.

Rick ParfittRick Parfitt has been taken ill in Croatia

In 1997 65 year old Parfitt had a quadruple heart bypass and nine years ago he was forced to cancel a series of shows to undergo tests for suspected throat cancer.

Little is know of the guitarist’s current condition but a spokesperson has said details will be given next week when more information is available.

The Daily Mail reports Status Quo manager Simon Porter as saying, “The band do not cancel shows lightly, as any of our fans will tell you, but in this instance we have no option but to follow medical advice.”

More: Original Status Quo Line-Up Wind The Clock Back 32 Years To Tour

Prior to his heart bypass in 1997, Parfitt was known for his hard-living lifestyle involving drink and drugs. In 2008 he and wife Lyndsay Whitburn welcomed twins Lilly and Tommy after successful IVF treatment.

Speaking to the Mail last November, Parfitt revealed his worries about not living to see his child grow up. ’It upsets me to think that I won’t see them fully grow up;” he revealed. Adding, “I probably won’t. Even if I live to 80, they will just about be 20. I would love to see them get to 21.”

Status QuoParfitt and his Status Quo bandmate Francis Rossi

Formed in 1962, Status Quo are most famous for their hits 'Whatever You Want' and 'Rockin' All Over The World'. The band were due to play 32 shows on their European tour, six of which have now been cancelled. It is not known at this time if any further dates will be affected.