Incubus is playing Jones Beach tomorrow night. The band’s Chris Kilmore talked to us this afternoon from Philadelphia about the band’s recent string of health problems and how they’ve managed to stay strong.

How’s the tour going?

It’s been awesome on the road, even though we had a rocky start. We’re the kind of band that once we hit the road we’re workaholics. Touring is one of our big things, and once we started touring [in support of Light Grenades] the first theater tour was sold-out and out of control. Then Brandon got sick—that happens when you’re touring in the winter time—and so did the rest of the band. We had to cancel a whole bunch of show and we’re not used to doing that.

How long did it take for Brandon to recover?

Like a week. We had to cancel three or four shows; for us, that’s a big bump in the road, but we got through it and rescheduled those shows. Then we went to Europe and Mike got carpel tunnel in his hands. He’d been dealing with that situation for a couple of years, but it got to the point where he was onstage and his hand froze up. He was in pain after shows before that; he’d always ice his hands. Finally, he couldn’t play. Luckily, it happened at the end of our set in Germany. We went to Paris the next day, but Mike flew home. He went straight to the doctor, and he told Mike he had one of the worst cases of carpel tunnel he’d ever seen and that Mike needed surgery right away if he even wanted to play guitar again. We had to cancel the rest of the European tour, as well as our South American tour and Canadian dates.

Sounds like there was so much drama going on.

Yeah, lots of drama! Luckily, we were able to reschedule those dates and Mike got better in a pretty short period of time.

The band must’ve been freaking out before Mike’s surgery.

What’s unknown is scarier than what is known.

How is everyone feeling now?

We went from that to playing huge festivals overseas. When Mike returned and started playing, we’re now able to play all of our songs and have been on an American tour. Everything is back to normal and everyone’s healthy.

You played a greater part in the songs on Light Grenades. What’s been the reaction to your increased role in the band?

So far everyone’s been really cool about it, even the diehard DJs. We played a festival the other day, and I saw MixMaster Mike who plays with Beastie Boys. He’s a friend and congratulated me on what I’m doing. He’s the same kind of guy as me because he’s always interested in expanding things.

Incubus plays Jones Beach tomorrow. Do you have any special memories of playing in New York City?

Oh, yeah. We played Roseland two nights in a row following Saturday and Sunday after 9/11. That was pretty special for us. The first time we sold-out Madison Square garden was an amazing feeling that I’ll never forget. I remember seeing Michael Jackson there and driving up as a kid to see the Knicks.

Nobody wants to see the Knicks play these days.

Not anymore!

Are you writing new material on the road?

Right now, the new album has a lot of singles like “Anna Molly,” “Dig” and “ in the Water.” Overseas, “Love Hurts” is really taking off. The album still has life and we’re just trying to keep what’s front of us alive.

So maybe a new album in 2008?

Maybe. We’re the type of band that’s always writing and coming up with new ideas. All of the bad stuff is behind us now and the shows are awesome. We’re just having fun right now.