Depeche Mode performing at the Ahoy Stadium. Rotterdam, Holland - 26.03.06

Band spokeswoman BARBARA CHARONE denied the cancellation was due to poor tickets sales for the Alvalade Stadium show, adding that 75 per cent of all tickets had been sold.

She explained that companies involved in the concert "had not received any money and logistically the show couldn't happen".

The group issued an apology to fans and advised disappointed ticket holders to seek refunds from the place of purchase.