Echo and the Bunnymen have cancelled their forthcoming tour of the US at the eleventh hour -- to avoid a financial penalty.

Due to an IRS rule, foreign bands who tour the US more than once in 30 days have to pay a fee to be able to play. Having done a one-off date at New York's Mercury Lounge last month, the band have now had to pull the eight-date US tour due to begin in Atlanta on Nov. 15 to avoid the penalty.

Spare a though for support band Hatcham Social, who were supposed to be supporting the veteran British band for the entire tour -- it's the second time in a year they have seen a tour slot disappear before playing a note.

They already saw a US tour opening for the Charlatans disappear without a single night being played, thanks to drummer Jon Brookes needing shoulder surgery.