The Canadian Press

In this photo taken Wednesday, March 18, 2009, Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters perform at the SXSW Music Festival Festival in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Jack Plunkett)

TORONTO — Billy Bob Thornton's band has scrapped the rest of its Canadian tour dates after the actor caused a stir by likening Canuck fans to mashed potatoes with no gravy.
  
The Boxmasters opened for Willie Nelson on Thursday in Toronto.

But a note posted on Nelson's website Friday said the Boxmasters were cancelling the remainder of their Canadian swing, including gigs in Montreal and London, Ont., "due to one band member and several of the crew having the flu."

"We wish them a safe and speedy recovery," said the note.

The cancellation came two days after Thornton made headlines around the world with a belligerent appearance on CBC radio's "Q."

The actor apparently took issue that host Jian Ghomeshi kicked off the interview with references to Thornton's career as a Hollywood actor, director and screenwriter.

For much of the ensuing chat, Thornton refused to answer any of Ghomeshi's questions directly, mumbling: "I don't know what you're talking about."

He later said Ghomeshi's producers had been instructed ahead of time not to talk about his film career at all.

Things came to a head when Ghomeshi mentioned Thornton's passion for music.

"Would you say that to Tom Petty?" Thornton questioned.

The interview concluded with an instrumental performance by the Boxmasters. Thornton refused to perform, saying he didn't have his drum kit with him.

During the interview, Thornton also had some unkind words for Canadian crowds.

"Canadian audiences seem to be very reserved," he told Ghomeshi. "We tend to play places where people throw things at each other. Here, they just sort of sit there. And it doesn't matter what you say to 'em. ... It's mashed potatoes but no gravy."

Before heading into his Thursday night gig, Thornton attempted to clarify those remarks, saying he loved Canada and his "mashed potatoes" comment had been aimed at Ghomeshi.

He was reportedly booed by the crowd at Massey Hall when he referred to the incident onstage and met with catcalls of "Here comes the gravy."

Ghomeshi's interview with Thornton has already become a sensation and received media coverage around the world.