Dave Mason was preparing to return to touring next week after canceling a fall 2024 trek because he needed a heart operation. In November, the 78-year-old British musician underwent a successful heart-valve-replacement procedure, but unfortunately, he’s experienced another health setback that’s forced him to cancel a series of upcoming concerts.
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A message posted on Mason’s social media pages reports that “Dave has been hospitalized due to a serious infection that developed quickly.”
The note continues, “The entire Dave Mason family, band, and crew deeply appreciate your love and prayers during this time. Tickets for all March, April & May shows will be refunded at the point of purchase. We’re all hoping for a swift recovery!”
Mason had been scheduled to launch his 2025 tour in Augusta, Georgia, on Thursday, March 20. He had 21 U.S. dates lined up through a May 18 concert in Nashville, all of which are apparently canceled.
Dave also has lined up U.S. summer tour leg. That outing’s scheduled from a July 11 show in Kansas City, Missouri, through an August 18 performance in Salisbury, Massachusetts. At three of the summer concerts, Mason is on a bill with Kansas and 38 Special.
Mason Has a New Studio Album Coming Out
News of Mason’s illness and canceled shows comes just about a week before Dave will release a new studio album. As previously reported, A Shade of Blues is scheduled to arrive on Friday, March 21. The 11-track collection finds the former Traffic member delving into various blues and R&B styles.
A Shade of Blues can be pre-ordered now. It’s available on CD, as a vinyl LP, and via digital formats.
The album features guest appearances by Michael McDonald, contemporary blues guitar whiz Joe Bonamassa, and veteran smooth-jazz saxophonist Warren Hill.
A Shade of Blues features versions of such blues classics as “Come Home in My Kitchen,” “Cocaine Blues,” “Born Under a Bad Sign,” and “Dust My Blues.” The album also includes new renditions of two classic Traffic songs—“The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” Bonamassa plays guitar and sings on both Traffic covers.
In addition, A Shade of Blues features four songs written by Mason. One of those tunes is the lead track, “Use It, or Lose It,” which also features Bonamassa on guitar and vocals. The song is available now as an advance single.
McDonald contributed his vocal and keyboard talents to another Mason original, “It’s Just You and Me.”
More About Dave Mason
Mason was a founding member of Traffic, playing with the group on and off from 1967 to 1971. Among his best-known songs recorded by the band are “Feelin’ Alright” and “You Can All Join In.”
He also has had a successful solo career that includes soulful 1970 gem “Only You Know and I Know” and the 1977 hit “We Just Disagree.” He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic in 2004.
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