Rockers Muse have been forced to cancel a string of American tour dates after singer MATT BELLAMY suffered a horrific on-stage accident to the face, which has left him unable to sing.

Bellamy was "badly injured" during a show in Atlanta when his face clashed with his guitar, causing blood to spill out of his mouth.

He was rushed to hospital, forcing the band to cancel the gig, and indefinitely postpone future dates.

One fan at the gig says, "During their fifth song he smashed his face into his guitar. I noticed something was wrong immediately because he leaned over to his roadie and pointed to his mouth, then I looked and it looked as if someone was pouring a water bottle down his face constantly, but it was blood.

"He kept spitting up more and more blood until he started to sing, and before he could finish the first few lines he quickly removed his guitar and only said, 'I cant sing, I've f***ed my face up!' and they all rushed off stage."

A statement from the band reads, "The band were forced to abandon their show in the Cotton Club, Atlanta when Matt badly injured his mouth during the set.

"He was taken to hospital and received stitches. Matt's expecting further medical advice. Shows are unfortunately on temporary hold. The band are obviously very disappointed but looking forward to carrying on their new tour of the States as soon as possible."

13/04/2004 17:59