Heavy metal veterans Def Leppard have postponed the rest of their world tour as frontman Joe Elliott struggles with his voice.

The British band, which has been touring with short breaks since April last year, said Monday it was postponing the final 10 concerts.

The dates are all in the United States, with the tour scheduled to end on February 17 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The band also put off two shows last week.

Def Leppard said in a statement that the delay was "due to illness" and that the shows would be rescheduled.

While the statement did not provide more details, drummer Rick Allen said that the 56-year-old Elliott was straining his voice.

"The doctor basically said that if Joe continues to sing without resting his throat for a month he might do permanent damage," Allen wrote on Twitter.

Def Leppard was one of the most successful heavy metal bands of the 1980s, packing arenas with guitar anthems such as "Pour Some Sugar on Me", "Rock of Ages" and "Photograph".

Hoping to reach a new audience, Def Leppard debuted their latest video on Guitar Hero Live last week in what is believed to be a first by an established band.