Citing \'Irreconcilable Differences,\' The Civil Wars Cancels Tour Dates

Tyrone Turner for The New York Times Joy Williams and John Paul White of the Civil Wars.

These are the moments when you perhaps regret naming your band after an epochal internecine struggle: the Civil Wars, the Grammy Award-winning folk-rock duo, abruptly announced in the midst of a European tour that it was canceling its upcoming concert dates, in language that suggested the house has become divided against itself. The band mates Joy Williams and John Paul White said in a statement on the group's Facebook page on Monday: “We sincerely apologize for the canceling of all of our tour dates. It is something we deeply regret. However, due to internal discord and irreconcilable difference s of ambition we are unable to continue as a touring entity at this time. We thank each and every one of you for your amazing love & support. Our sincere hope is to have new music for you in 2013.”

In February, the Civil Wars won the Grammy Award for best folk album for its 2011 debut LP, “Barton Hollow,” and a second trophy, for best country duo/group performance, for its title track. The group has toured with artists like Adele and had a song with Taylor Swift on the “Hunger Games” soundtrack, and seems to understand that some strife is part of the creative process. As a motto on the band's Facebook page states, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.”