John Mellencamp, Creed axe shows due to wildfire smoke

John Mellencamp, Creed axe shows due to wildfire smoke.

A growing list of artists has postponed or cancelled their scheduled concerts over health fears about the hazardous air quality in the United States and Canada.

With wildfires burning across parts of both countries, fans of John Mellencamp, Creed, The Black Keys and other musical acts have been left disappointed in recent days.

John Mellencamp, 74, had planned to play on 16 July at Pine Knob Music Theatre in southeast Michigan.

"Following guidance from public health authorities, unfortunately we will not be able to perform our July 16 show in Clarkston, MI at Pine Knob Music Theatre due to poor air quality," the Jack & Diane singer shared in a statement posted to Instagram, adding that fans who purchased their tickets directly would be immediately refunded, while those who bought via resellers would have to manage their own transactions.

Rock band Creed had also planned to play on 16 July, in Minnesota, but was forced to postpone the event to September due to "unsafe air conditions resulting from the ongoing Canadian wildfires."

A post on the group's Instagram account explained that while "Scott, Mark, Brian and Flip were incredibly excited to perform for the sold-out crowd," given the smoky conditions and the "challenges they create for the band, crew, venue, staff and attendees, the decision has been made to move the performance".

Meanwhile, blues-rock duo The Black Keys postponed their Chicago show.

"We're sorry we won't get to see y'all in Chicago tonight, but keeping everyone safe is the most important thing," the pair wrote in a social media post. "Hang onto your tickets and we'll see y'all real soon."

Soul singer Mavis Staples and country duo The War and Treaty were also forced to delay their planned concerts.