“Bert is deeply disappointed to be missing the shows,” reads the official press release before saying sorry, “and [Bert] apologises sincerely to all the fans who were hoping to see him… [Bert] is looking forward to getting back on the road as soon as possible.”
That’s right, all you folk fans and people who enjoy Neil Young opening acts, Bert Jansch (who is, without a doubt, an incredibly acclaimed and important modern folk musician) has had to cancel all of his dates as opener on the Gulf Coast leg of Young’s solo tour. In addition to the dates with Neil, Jansch was also forced to cancel a series of solo shows on the East Coast. Furthermore, the folk legend has been forced to back out of a performance at this year’s Farm Aid, which Bert was “very much looking forward to.”
What caused all the hubbub and cancellations? Well, Bert has a condition known as “lung cancer” and has decided to undergo an “urgent operation to deal with complications” from said lung cancer so that he will continue living. While fans are disappointed, they definitely agree with Jansch’s assertion that staying alive is more important than playing shows. Don’t worry though, Jansch has been told by his doctors that “he should be fit and well again soon.”
Let’s hope he gets back on the road!
• Bert Jansch: http://www.bertjansch.com
