Electric guitar titan Robin Trower has been forced to cancel his upcoming North American tour due to ongoing health issues.
It makes his recent shows, his first run of gigs in five years, bittersweet, as they helped shed light on the severity of his condition.
He had performed a trio of UK shows, at Planet Rock's Blues Power Live in London, as well as dates in Gateshead, and Holmfirth in the UK last week, but they are to be his last for the foreseeable future.
“I have struggled with health issues for some time now,” an official statement reads. “Following my latest stay in hospital a few weeks ago, my doctor advised me that the only possible way for an effective long-term solution is to undertake a major operation as soon as possible.
“I am currently awaiting confirmation of that date. I have also been advised that the recovery time to 100% full fitness could take a while. This makes committing to a fixed touring period in the near future impossible. I have struggled with this decision but realize I cannot continue touring at this time.
The guitarist had been set to play 16 shows across North America in September, concluding at Center Stage in Atlanta. He is also listed on the Rock Legends Cruise XI in February next year. As things stand, that date has not yet been canceled.
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“I know that you will be as disappointed as I am, but I am very hopeful that this procedure will give me a new lease of life and I can return to doing what I love the most – playing live ASAP,” the statement concludes. “I look forward to catching up with you all as soon as I am able.”
The tour was to coincide with the 50th anniversary of his reputation-affirming Bridge of Sighs album, which has received a fresh mix with the original tapes as part of a celebratory re-release.
Its title track, a blues guitar staple, was track immortalized with a “spellbinding” performance on the BBC in 1974, which Guitar Player has previously explored in great detail.
![Robin Trower - Day Of The Eagle [Official] - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/D8ZYhTog7oc/maxresdefault.jpg)
As well as the now iconic guitar tones of the title track, it also featured the song, Day of the Eagle. It's a song that Trower recently told Guitar Player is “probably the best rock and roll song I’ve ever written.”
Trower’s latest, and 27th solo album, Joyful Sky, arrived last year, and featured American blues rock singer Sari Schorr.
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