Guitarist Dave Mason is ending his 60-year touring career. On his website, the 79-year-old icon announced that ongoing health issues led to this "difficult decision."
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"For those who have attended a Dave Mason concert, you know the standard of excellence he demanded of himself and his band," the statement goes on to say. "One of Mason's proudest achievements was keeping his performances entirely live and authentic—no backing loops, no overdubbed vocals, none of the "smoke and mirrors" often used to dilute the truth of a performance. Onstage, he was the real deal. Offstage, he embodied the consummate road dog, fully devoted to the work and the life he loved."
What Happened to Dave Mason?
As we reported earlier this year, Mason was hospitalized with a "serious infection" after a heart operation. He had already postponed tour dates scheduled for the fall of 2024.
"With deep regret, I must cancel all tour dates for 2025 due to ongoing health issues stemming from the infection I had in March," Mason said in a statement earlier this year.
Mason Is a Legend Like No Other
Mason is perhaps known as a founding member of the psychedelic rock band Traffic. One of the songs he wrote as part of the group was "Feelin' Alright," which became a hit for numerous artists, including Joe Cocker.
The performer then launched a solo career, scoring a hit with "We Just Disagree. He also played guitar with many of his iconic peers. Mason played acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "All Along the Watchtower." Mason also collaborated with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones. He was even briefly a member of Fleetwood Mac in the 1990s.
Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 as a member of Traffic.
Mason Might Be Down, but He's Not Out
The 79-year-old plans on writing a children's book and will begin releasing tracks from his numerous live performances.
"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," reads his retirement announcement. "The immensity of his joy remains solid as he steps back from the stage."
Photo via Instagram (Dave Mason)
