Mott the Hoople '74 star Ian Hunter has been diagnosed with "a severe case of tinnitus", which has forced the band to cancel their upcoming U.S. fall tour.
The band shared the bad news with fans via Facebook and said that Ian had been advised by "his doctors to discontinue performing until this condition subsides."
Hunter had this to say, "Hey Kids, I'm afraid I'm not very well. It happened out of the blue three weeks ago; I got hit heavily by tinnitus. It's unrelenting and on doctors orders, I've had to cancel everything for the time being.
"I've had it on and off for years, but it's always slid away. This time it's stayed - it knocks the stuffing and the confidence out of you. You lot know I love to tour - been doing it for 50 years. I hate to let everybody down, but I'm stuck and I can't even go to the post box at the moment never mind a tour. Unhappy is not the word for it. I've had tests - no tumors, but it's loud and incessant and frankly scary.
"I know this puts people out - believe me, I know. I just hope you'll understand. You're great fans and I'll always appreciate you following me - I'm not everybody's cup of tea!! Obviously the Ranters are bummed out as is Morgan 'n' the Great Ariel Bender, to say nothing of the crew and business people involved. Thank you, Mike and Frank for your understanding.
"Where do we go from here - I've no idea kids. I'm just hoping it gets fed up with me eventually!! Don't feel sorry for me - it's been a great run if, indeed, it stays with me, and I have to stop now. Maybe it will sod off at some point - I just don't know.
"I'll keep you updated via my website. Once again, sorry to you all. Love 'n' kisses IH"
The cancelled shows are listed below:
Oct 21: Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre
Oct 22: Washington, DC @ The Warner Theatre
Oct 24: Atlanta, GA @ The Coca Cola Roxy Theatre
Oct 26: Nashville, TN @ The War Memorial Auditorium
Oct 28: Dallas, TX @ The Majestic Theatre
Oct 29: Austin, TX @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater
Oct 31: Scottsdale, AZ @ The Talking Stick Resort Ballroom
Nov 01: Los Angeles, CA @ The Orpheum Theatre
Nov 03: Oakland, CA @ The Fox Theater
Nov 05: Portland, OR @ The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Nov 06: Seattle, WA @ The Moore Theatre
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