In a heartfelt announcement, Dave Mason, the legendary co-founder of Traffic, has canceled his highly anticipated 2024 tour due to a serious heart condition that requires immediate medical attention. The 78-year-old musician shared the news via Instagram on Tuesday, September 24.
Mason’s team stated, “Dave Mason has announced the cancellation of his Fall ‘Traffic Jam 2024’ West Coast tour after doctors detected a serious heart condition during a routine appointment.” The statement reassured fans, noting that Mason’s medical team anticipates a full recovery and plans for him to return to the stage in 2025.
Expressing his disappointment, Mason conveyed directly to his fans, “I’m heartbroken to have to cancel these dates, but it’s Doctor’s orders. I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025.”
Originally scheduled to perform in Arizona, Nevada, and California until October 12, the tour’s cancellation follows an earlier announcement last week, where Mason’s team advised that the first two shows in Phoenix and Las Vegas were scrapped “under the advice of doctors.”
Mason, whose illustrious career includes collaborations with rock icons such as the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and Jimi Hendrix, first gained fame with Traffic, formed in 1967 alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood.
The musician launched his solo career in 1970 with the album Alone Together and has since released more than a dozen albums. His most successful solo hit, “We Just Disagree,” reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. In recognition of his contributions, Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of Traffic in 2004.
Reflecting on his storied career in a 2019 interview, Mason recalled a significant moment: witnessing Hendrix record Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” for his iconic 1968 album Electric Ladyland. “Sitting across from Hendrix, facing him with my acoustic guitar… that would rate up there,” he reminisced.
As fans await Mason’s return, they join in wishing him a swift recovery and look forward to his comeback in 2025.
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