Dave Mason, a founding member of Traffic and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is taking a break from music to focus on his health.
The 78-year-old English musician announced Monday that he has canceled his 2024 Traffic Jam West Coast tour to begin treatment for a “serious heart condition” that “requires immediate attention.” Mason shared the news of the tour cancellation on social media and his website.
Mason’s team of medical experts “recommended against any touring activity,” the rocker’s letter said. News of the cancellation came days after Mason altered his original touring plans to accommodate his health needs. Mason said last week on Instagram that his tour would begin in Santa Barbara, rather than playing the first two shows in Phoenix and Las Vegas. The decision was made “on the recommendation of doctors,” the statement said.
In April, the guitarist, who has collaborated with Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac and other music giants, rescheduled a show in Cincinnati because of laryngitis.
The “Feelin’ Alright” and “We Just Disagree” artist will undergo heart surgery, according to Monday’s announcement. His team and loved ones “are looking forward to a successful recovery.” Mason’s tour is set to resume in 2025.
“It pains my heart to have to cancel these dates, but it’s doctor’s orders,” Mason said in the statement. “I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025.”
Mason celebrated his birthday in May, writing on Instagram that he was “pleasantly surprised, mostly by the simple gift of encouragement, evidence that I am still here.” The singer-songwriter began his career as a teenager and in 1967 formed Traffic with Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood and Chris Wood.
The musician added: “Not a day goes by that we don’t laugh a little about it all and feel a lot of gratitude for you and a life in music.”
