Dave Mason cancels tour to treat ‘serious heart condition’

Traffic founding member and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason is taking a break from music to focus on his health.

The 78-year-old English musician announced Monday that he was canceling 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 “have advised against any touring activity,” the rocker’s statement said. News of the cancellation came days after Mason altered his initial tour plans to accommodate his health needs. Mason said on Instagram last week that his tour would kick off in Santa Barbara, instead of playing the first two shows in Phoenix and Las Vegas. The decision was made “on the advice of doctors,” the statement said.

In April, the guitarist, who has collaborated with Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac and other musical giants, postponed a concert in Cincinnati due to laryngitis.

The “Feelin’ Alright” and “We Just Disagree” singer will undergo heart surgery, the announcement said Monday. His team and loved ones “expect a successful recovery.” Mason will resume touring in 2025.

“I’m sorry 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, mainly for the simple gift of breath – proof that I’m still here.” The singer-songwriter began his career as a teenager and formed Traffic in 1967 with Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood and Chris Wood.

The musician added: “Not a day goes by that I don’t laugh a little about it all and I’m very grateful to you and to a life dedicated to music.”