The Monkees cancel nine remaining tour dates

The Monkees outsold The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in 1967

Sixties pop group The Monkees have abruptly cancelled the remaining dates on their reunion tour.

Three of the original band members - Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Peter Tork - went back on the road earlier this year, after a decade apart.

But they announced on Tuesday that all further dates were cancelled, citing "business" issues.

"I am disappointed but the situation was unavoidable and I want to apologise to all the fans," wrote Dolenz.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Dolenz, 66, wrote: "The Monkee Tour has, indeed, been cancelled but for reasons that I cannot discuss at this time.

"I can say that the reasons pertain to business and are internal matters."

His words were echoed by fellow band member Peter Tork, 69: "I can only say that it has to do with business matters," he wrote in a statement, also on Facebook.

"I sincerely regret that it is not possible to continue this wonderful tour. I especially regret the inconvenience to those of you whose plans have been disrupted.

"Thank you for all your love and support. I hope to see you on the road sometime."

Chart-toppers

Reports have attributed the cancellation to a scheduling dispute.

Drummer and vocalist Dolenz has vowed to continue with his solo tour, with his spokesman firmly rejecting rumours that the musician had checked himself into rehab.

"It has nothing to do with any sort of substance abuse whatsoever."

The tour, which included dates in the UK and US, marked the group's 45th anniversary.

The foursome, including Mike Nesmith - were propelled to stardom by the Monkees TV show, which first appeared on NBC in 1966.

Hits included chart-toppers I'm A Believer and Daydream Believer, but the band split after just three years.

The original quartet got together in 1996 to record a new album - but Nesmith eventually dropped out.

The remaining three reunited for a tour a 35th anniversary tour in 2001.