NICKELBACK is cancelling the rest of its North American tour because singer Chad Kroeger needs vocal cord surgery.

The band says in a statement that the 40-year-old has an operable cyst on his voice box and will undergo surgery in three weeks. The Hanna, Alta., rockers had initially cancelled their weekend gigs in the hopes of a quick recovery.

The cancelled dates include shows in Quebec City and Ottawa, along with dozens of cities in the United States. The band expects Kroeger to be ready for a European run beginning in Finland on Sept. 30.

NICKELBACK is also expected to tour North America again next year.

"I am sorry I have to interrupt the party this summer and I am definitely not thrilled with the prospect of being silent for many weeks to come when I could be out there playing for our fans," Kroeger said in a release.

"I am relying on my doctor and his team to help get my voice back in good form as quickly as possible."

The band's most recent album, 'No Fixed Address,' was released last year and has racked up platinum sales in Canada.