Just two dates in, The Decemberists [ tickets ] have canceled their US fall tour due to illness.

"One of our band members has been ill for a while but we thought all would be well in time for these tour dates," the experimental pop group said in a posting at its website. "After a couple shows, though, it has become clear that the illness is much worse than we had initially realized. We need to return home so our friend can mend."

The bandmates offered their deepest apologies, but said no plans are being made to reschedule the dates. Ticket holders should seek refunds at the point of purchase.

A month ago, The Decemberists canceled their European tour for the same reason.

The band's "The Long and Short of It" US tour was scheduled to visit a dozen cities for multiple-show stands. The plan was to alternate between The Decemberists' longer, more progressive material and its shorter, pop-oriented offerings. Chicago was the only city to see the performances.

Major-market shows had also been scheduled in New York City, Boston, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Washington, DC.

The Decemberists spent the summer performing in front of full orchestras across the US. The band continues to support its 2006 major-label debut, "The Crane Wife," as well as its recently released EP, "The Perfect Crime #2," which features remixes of the title track by A Touch of Class, Diplo and Junior Boys.