The Specials’ Neville Staple cancels all future gigs due to serious health issues
The Specials singer Neville Staple has cancelled all future shows due to a serious heart defect which needs medical attention.
Staple originally joined The Specials in 1978, sharing vocal duties with the late Terry Hall. Following the band’s split, the duo formed Fun Boy Three with Lynval Golding. He later partially reunited with The Specials during the 1990s before being involved in the band during their proper return in 2008. He left in 2012 due to personal reasons.
The two-tone musician has since toured regularly with The Neville Staple Band, who remain stalwarts on UK festival line-ups. The 68-year-old had planned to play many shows throughout the calendar year again, but now Staple has cancelled all concerts due to health problems.
Taking to Twitter, Staple’s account posted: “At the beginning of December 2023, the legendary frontman Dr Neville Staple from The Specials was diagnosed with suffering from a serious Heart Defect. Neville has been treated at 3 different hospitals and specialist have prescribed treatments and medications to try to control his symptoms, and thankfully things do seem to have stabilised.”
The post continued: “However, specialists have decided that Neville needs to take a complete rest from live performing and touring. Neville absolutely loves performing and is obviously devastated by this news. He had gigs and festivals lined up for 2024 and beyond, all of which will have to be cancelled.”
It added: “Neville knows that his fans and followers will understand the decision that has had to be made and he wants them to know that he is in the best possible hands with his medical team, wife and family. He thanks you all for your love and support over the years and hopes to see you soon. Neville hopes to still attend personal appearances for charities, etc but will not be performing live shows.”
See the full post below.
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