The Black Keys have cancelled a series of tour dates – saying that they are too “drained” to play them.

They have almost cleared their touring schedule until April, leaving only a couple of US tour dates after pulling shows in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Dan and Patrick explained on their website, Theblackkeys.com, that they needed time off to recuperate after their past year of touring and promotion of their latest album, ‘Brothers’.

“An arduous year of touring and promotion has drained the band and necessitated time off,” they wrote. “Dan [Auerbach] and Patrick [Carney] wish to thank all of you who have shown such incredible support since the release of ‘Brothers’ and have helped make the album a success.”

For a complete list of cancelled tour dates, visit theblackkeys.com/shows.