"First Morrissey, then Animal Collective, and now this," Lucas explained in a lengthy post on the Local H Facebook page, referencing two other acts recently forced to cancel shows due to illness. "After weighing all of our options, it looks like we're going to have to cancel the first 3 dates of the Local H tour � that's March 21, 22, and 23. We don't take this decision lightly and we're deeply sorry for it.

"Here's what happened: A month ago, after a date in Moscow, I was assaulted and robbed," the post continued. "The attacker came up from behind and put me in a chokehold until I passed out. When I came to, I was in a stairwell with all of my pockets empty. No phone, no wallet, no cash, and (worst of all) no passport. Nothing. Even my hat and glasses were gone.

"It wasn't until I found someone to ask for help that I realized something else was gone � my voice. When I opened my mouth to ask that person to call me a taxi, nothing but a scratchy croak would come out. I touched my throat and could feel that more damage had been done than I initially thought. A purple bruise began to form. I was having trouble swallowing. Russia�"

Lucus goes on to explain how he soon realized his throat was severely injured, leading him to find a voice doctor through MusiCares, the foundation created by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences whose mission is to "provide a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need."