We’re sorry to report that Lit drummer Allen Shellenberger has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Test results and his prognosis are all pending at this time. The band has released the following statement on its MySpace page:

We are sad to have to be writing you all this letter. Our brother, Allen Shellenberger, is currently in the hospital undergoing testing and treatment for a brain tumor that was just discovered. We are still not sure what his prognosis is and we are all standing by and waiting for test results to come in. Please say a prayer and keep him in your thoughts.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to make the shows this week in the UK and Europe. We were all so excited to come. At this point we have to just stay put and be by Allen while he goes through this difficult time. We will make it up to you as soon as we can. We know some fans who made travel plans from other countries to see us and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Our West Coast dates right now are on hold until we know what is going on.

We will post another update soon. Allen sends his thanks for the well wishes and he’s sorry we had to cancel these shows. We’ll be showing Allen the Lit myspace page with your comments of support.

All of us here at the BDT have our sticks crossed for Allen, and we’d like to thank the Lit guys for the song that made listening to mainstream radio in 1999 possible: