Florence and The Machine have pulled out of two European concerts because the lead singer has lost her voice and been told not to perform to avoid permanent damage.

Florence Welch explained the situation on her Twitter account yesterday.

The British band was due to play at a festival in Spain today and at the Optimus Alive event in Portugal this weekend.

The flame-haired Welch fronts the Grammy-nominated seven-piece band, which released its latest album, "Ceremonials," last year.