James Taylor Falls Ill, Postpones Concerts
James Taylor has fallen ill, causing several concert cancellations. The six-time Grammy Award winner, age 75, has been put on strict vocal rest by his doctor due to "a severe case of laryngitis. The Monday reveal of his current condition also announced the postponement of his planned show at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati on June 21, in addition to two more stops: Huntsville, Alabama, and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
"I really hate to have to postpone these shows and it's not something I take lightly," Taylor wrote in a statement shared across his socials Monday evening. "I thought I could push through but I'm at the point now if I don't take these days off I risk doing permanent damage."
Since he is now on vocal rest, Taylor was no longer able to play three of his planned performances. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was set to play at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center on Wednesday, June 21, but the show has now been moved to Thursday, Aug. 24. His shows in Huntsville, Alabama and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan have also been rescheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 22 and Saturday, Aug. 26.
The Monday announcement confirmed that previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates of the three postponed shows. However, anyone unable to attend the rescheduled concerts can receive a refund. Anyone with questions regarding the postponement are advised to contact their point of purchase.
As Taylor rests and prepares to return to the stage, fans have sent him well-wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery. Responding to the announcement shared to the musician's Instagram account, one person wrote, "Your health takes first priority! We would rather have you healthy and happy than sick and done performing. Rest up!"
Someone else commented, "Take good care of yourself James no one wants to do anything that may compromise your voice. I hope you feel better soon."
Taylor has not provided an update on his condition at this time. His 2023 tour is currently set to resume at Summerfest at American Family Insurance Amphitheater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Saturday, June 24. The tour will take him to Bridgeport, Connecticut; Bethel Woods, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Boston, Massachusetts; and several more cities before concluding with a performance at Wolftrap in Vienne, Virginia on Sunday, Sept. 10.