The Rolling Stones [ tickets ] have called off their much-ballyhooed plans to perform two concerts in China due to the mysterious and deadly flu-like illness that is sweeping through Asia.

The shows had been scheduled to take place in Shanghai on April 1 and Beijing on April 4. According to a statement issued by the group on Friday (3/28), the shows were canceled due to World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control warnings regarding SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and continued concerns expressed by local Chinese government officials, communities and individuals over large public gatherings.

"We are very sad and disappointed not to be able to do these concerts," frontman Mick Jagger said in a statement on behalf of the Stones, who have never played a concert in China. "We have been looking forward to the shows in China for so long and will reschedule them as soon as possible."

The Stones’ "Licks" world tour is scheduled to continue with concerts on April 4 in Bangalore, April 7 in Mumbai and April 10 in Bangkok.

Earlier this week, the band called off two weekend (3/28-29) shows that were scheduled to take place in Hong Kong, also because of SARS.

More than 50 people have died of SARS in recent weeks, which does not respond to traditional treatment. The World Health Organization believes that the illness is spread by close contact, including sneezes and coughs.