The Rolling Stones have announced that their concerts in Shanghai (April 1) and Beijing (4th) have been cancelled due to World Health Organization and Center For Disease Control travel warnings regarding the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.)

 These two cancellations come a day after the Stones postponed their Hong Kong gigs, citing similar reasons. The band issued a statement saying they didn't think it was a good idea to draw a large crowd that might add to the spread of the mysterious respiratory illness. Those concerns have also been echoed by local Chinese government officials, communities and individuals.

 "We are very sad and disappointed not to be able to do these concerts," Mick Jagger said on behalf of The Rolling Stones. "We have been looking forward to the shows in China for so long and will reschedule them as soon as possible."

 Meanwhile, the schedule for The Rolling Stones' other Asian gigs has been switched around. The band will now play in Bangalore, India, April 4, which was moved from the 11th; Mumbai, India, on the 7th, which was pulled back from the 14th; and in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 10th - two days later than originally scheduled