John Prine Undergoing Surgery, Postpones Numerous Tour Dates

photo: David McClister

Songwriting legend John Prine has been forced to cancel numerous performance dates this summer due to ongoing health concerns. The 72-year-old had canceled his appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Festival on May 4th after a routine medical procedure resulted in a longer recovery time. Now Prine has been advised by his doctors that he is at an elevated risk for stroke, and will be having surgery this week to insert a stent which will hopefully remedy the issue.

“With sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused, the Prine family and Oh Boy Records regretfully announce the postponement of John Prine Summer tour dates,” an announcement read. “We are currently working on rescheduling the affected dates and will share updated information as soon as possible — all original tickets will remain valid. Alternatively, refunds are available at original point of purchase.”

The cancellations extend from late July into August, and include an appearance at Red Rocks in Colorado on July 28th, and the Edmonton Folk Festival on August 11th (see all canceled dates below). At the moment, his European tour scheduled to start on August 23rd in Sweden, and run through September 9th is still a go, as well as all other announced tour dates afterwards. Prine’s appearance at Red Rocks in Colorado with the Colorado Symphony and I’m With Her has already been rescheduled to September 18th.

A two-time Grammy winner, John Prine set historic numbers for the release of his 2018 album The Tree of Forgiveness—his first album of original material in 13 years. He also won the Americana Artist of the Year for the second year in a row in 2018, as well as BMI’s Troubadour Award, and has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity as younger artists embrace him as a songwriting pioneer and legend. Prine was also nominated for consideration by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, speaking to the 72-year-old songwriter’s wide influence. John Prine is a survivor of squamous cell cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 1998.

More information on John Prine’s health if and when it becomes available.

Postponed John Prine Tour Dates:

  • July 28 – Red Rocks – Morrison, CO ( Rescheduled for September 18, 2019)
  • July 30 – Red Butte Gardens – Salt Lake City, UT
  • August 2 – Oregon Zoo – Portland, OR
  • August 4 – Woodland Park Zoo – Seattle, WA
  • August 6 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC
  • August 8 – Shaw Amphitheatre – Banff, AB
  • August 9 – Jack Singer PAC Calgary, AB
  • August 11- Edmonton Folk Festival – Edmonton, AB

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