Blues Traveler frontman John Popper [ tickets ] has cancelled nine October shows from a tour in support of his recently-released solo debut "Zygote." According to the cryptic statement released by his management, "the cause of the decision is due to the fact that the only opportunity for Popper to receive preventative guidance from a specialist based on the West Coast falls within these specific dates."

Lopped from Popper's itinerary are shows that were scheduled for Minneapolis, Columbus, Memphis, New Orleans, Kansas City, Denver and Las Vegas. He returns to the stage Oct. 20 at the House Of Blues in Los Angeles.

According to Wall of Sound, Popper issued a more lighthearted explanation in his own statement, which reportedly cited ''nonexistent ticket sales throughout what is apparently the sparsely populated Midwestern region of the tour.''

He has also cited concern over his health. In a recent interview on the Howard Stern show, Popper admitted that his weight was up to more than 400 pounds at one point, and doctors have told him to lose weight. He underwent an angioplasty in July.

''I blame my friend Howard Stern,'' Popper's statement reportedly said. ''He's got me so worried about my health that unless there's a real demand, I'm going to get help right now. But first I'm going to get some hookers.''

Popper's tour suffered some cancellations at its outset in the wake of the death of Blues Traveler bandmate Bobby Sheehan, who died of as-yet undisclosed causes in New Orleans on Aug. 20. In several recent interviews, Popper has said that Blues Traveler will continue as a band.