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“In light of the allegations surfacing against Hedley, we can no longer in good conscience continue on the ‘Cageless’ tour,” the band said in a statement, just hours before they were due to hit the stage.

“We understand this choice could negatively impact our band professionally but in the end we have to do what we feel is morally right. We would like to thank all the amazing fans that have made the first eight shows on the tour the best experience of our lives.”

The other tour opener, Shawn Hook, said in a statement late Thursday that he was “obviously disheartened” by the allegations levelled against Hedley but would continue “to fulfil my contractual obligations.”

On Friday morning, Hedley’s management team said it had terminated all “business relationships with the band” and the CBC announced it was dropping the group’s music from its radio and streaming platforms “in light of the serious allegations that have surfaced.”

On Thursday, Corus Radio revealed it had suspended all airplay of Hedley songs across its 30 music stations, as did other stations in Edmonton and Vancouver.

The Junos also dropped the Vancouver group from the upcoming televised awards bash in what was called a joint decision with the band “after careful consideration of the situation.” Wednesday’s move by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences came shortly after the release of the band’s statement addressing claims of impropriety involving young fans.