Former Kasabian bassist Jay Mehler has been forced to cancel promotional appearances with his new band Beady Eye after coming down with chicken pox.

The rocker exited Kasabian and took up a new role with Liam Gallagher's post-Oasis band earlier this year (13), replacing Jeff Wootton.

However, he has been sitting out interviews and photoshoots to promote the group's new album, Be, after falling sick.

Britain's ShortList magazine reports Mehler has been suffering from chicken pox.