The eels have canceled the remaining dates of its month long North American tour because of the death of frontman E's mother. The band is, however, expected to forge on with a planned U.K. tour, which launches on November 17 when the eels open for Pulp at the Leisure Center in Hereford, England.

The passing of E's mother, Nancy Everett, from cancer marks the second family member the singer-songwriter has lost in the past two years. E memorialized his late sister on "Elizabeth on the Floor," the opening track from the eels' cathartic new album, "Electro-Shock Blues.

E wrote much of "Electro-Shock" while coping with the death of his sister, as well as the illnesses suffered by other family members and friends -- including his mother's.

The eels have asked that instead of sending flowers in remembrance, fans can make a donation to the City of Hope, a medical center that specializes in the care and treatment of those suffering from debilitating illnesses.

The

address to which donations can be sent:

City of Hope Attn: Central Processing Reference: In Memory of Nancy Everett 1500 East Duarte Rd. Duarte, CA 91010

The eels, who earned a hit in 1996 with "Novocaine for the Soul," started a tour in support of the new album shortly after performing at Neil Young's annual Bridge School Benefit on October 17.