Berlin avant-garde group Einstürzende Neubauten were set to begin their 30th anniversary concerts in North America on Wednesday, but according to the band’s Twitter and confirmed by a representative from Mute Records, the tour has been canceled.

Word first broke of the tour cancellation via the The Echo’s Twitter feed. A follow-up with a representative from Mute Records confirmed it.

UPDATE: On Wednesday, Dec. 1, the band released the following statement:

It is with great regret that Einstürzende Neubauten announce the cancellation of their planned thirtieth anniversary appearances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto and New York.  While the US Department of Homeland Security did issue approvals for the band’s visas, it was not done in time to secure the appointments at the overseas embassies and consulates that represent the necessary final step in the process.

The band members are tremendously disappointed by this turn of events and wish to thank all those fans who purchased tickets for these performances for their support.  The band would have loved to do the tour and meet their overseas fans. Because this tour was a time-sensitive production, it will not be rescheduled.  Ticketholders can obtain refunds from their point of purchase.

The group had set up two dates in four US cities and one Canadian city for this December, in which different events would be performed on consecutive days.

One concert was to be a traditional, full-length performance by the entire group, with a repertoire spanning the length of their career.

The second concert would have presented fans with an opportunity to connect with the band members in a different way, including a Q&A, workshops, films and solo performances.

No official word yet on why the tour was canceled or if the dates will be rescheduled. The canceled tour dates are below.

12/1/10 – The Music Box – Los Angeles CA *
12/2/10 – The Echoplex – Los Angeles CA ^
12/3/10 – The Fillmore – San Francisco CA *
12/4/10 – Slim’s – San Francisco CA ^
12/8/10 – Vic Theatre – Chicago IL*
12/9/10 – Metro – Chicago IL ^
12/11/10 – Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto ON *
12/12/10 – Lee’s Palace – Toronto ON ^
12/14/10 – Webster Hall – New York NY *
12/15/10 – Bowery Ballroom – New York NY ^
* Full-length Concert
^ Intimate Multidisciplinary Experience