Depeche Mode canceled its scheduled Thursday concert in Chicago because lead singer Dave Gahan is suffering from laryngitis, the band’s publicist said.

A doctor who examined Gahan on Thursday morning told him to rest his voice, Mitch Schneider said.

Gahan’s troubles began at a Wednesday-night concert in Kansas City that was cut short after “technical difficulties,” muddled lyrics and the lead songwriter taking over the singing for Gahan.

Some who drove hours to see a band that rarely tours told The Kansas City Star that Gahan appeared anxious and upset while the band struggled through its first six songs. After the band had to restart the song “Stripped,” Gahan messed up the lyrics.

After a brief huddle onstage, lead songwriter Martin Gore performed two songs, while the crowd of about 5,500 was told the band was experiencing “technical difficulties.”

Depeche Mode’s road manager eventually announced Gahan could no longer perform, telling fans, “We are unable to continue because we have lost our man in the middle.”

Gore told the crowd Gahan had suffered a “medical emergency,” and after Gore sang three more songs, the concert abruptly ended 50 minutes after it started.

In a news release Thursday, Schneider said that, after three shows in Mexico, Gahan’s voice was “challenged” at the Kansas City concert because of cold temperatures at the outdoor venue.

Mike Winkler, one of the fans in the audience, said Gore’s performance was small comfort.

“There was some consolation having Martin come out,” Winkler said. “But I wish he could have done more.”

Schneider said the band’s management is looking into scheduling another concert in Chicago.

Credit: AP