Dave Mason retires from touring due to health reasons
Rock veteran Dave Mason has announced his retirement from touring, citing health issues.
Mason was a member of the band Traffic, a fleeting member of Fleetwood Mac, and a solo artist in his own right. However, the 79-year-old has now said that due to “ongoing health challenges,” he can no longer perform live.
As per the press release, Mason is not too disheartened by this reality. The statement reads, “True to his artistic spirit, Mason will spend his retirement years pursuing creative projects, including an upcoming children’s book and in his studio culling over unreleased tracks from his 60-year career of live performances.”
It continues, “He retires from touring a happy man with a heart full of gratitude to his band members, business colleagues, and especially his legions of fans who made his life one of deep satisfaction and fulfillment. The immensity of his joy remains solid as he steps back from the stage.”
Mason has not performed live since August 2024, as part of the Traffic Jam Tour. This was cut short after doctors discovered a “serious heart condition” during a routine health checkup.
At the final 16-song show in Plainfield, USA, Mason rounded out the performance with a two-song encore. Consequently, the last songs he will ever play live are a The Supremes cover, ‘You Keep Me Hangin’ On’, and the Traffic song ‘Feelin’ Alright?’
Mason only recorded one album with Fleetwood Mac in his time; he joined in 1993 and recorded the 1995 project Time before he departed the group shortly after.
His most recent release was a solo project, out this March, titled A Shade of Blues. Mike Finnigan is a constant collaborator throughout. Though he must now step back, Mason was known for a determined commitment to touring, performing over 100 shows a year. Listen to him sing ‘We Just Disagree’ in the clip below.
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