Well, shocking news indeed as we roll out of the Summer and into the Fall touring season. Bob Weir’s Ratdog have cancelled all of their remaining dates in 2014 including their January Jamaica event.
From Ratdoglive.com:
Circumstances have necessitated that all scheduled tour dates for Bob Weir & RatDog are being cancelled. This applies to all dates on the summer tour starting on Thursday, August 14 in Boston through September 14 in Nashville and also includes the Jamaica event in January of 2015. Refunds are available at place of purchase. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
Weir skipped the recent Las Vegas show, which went on without him, but got right back on the horse the next night in San Diego so whatever was ailing him clearly was short lived. This announcement, coming at the end of the Days Between, is shocking to say the least. They give no reason for the cancellation but this news is a bit disconcerting considering his recent talk of the GD 50th Anniversary and getting the original Grateful Dead members back together to play in 2015. According to Weir, “We owe it to the songs” to do an anniversary tour.
The cancellation of these shows effects more than just Weir. They had festival shows booked as well as co-bills with Gov’t Mule and Chris Robinson Brotherhood. The reason for the cancellations has not been given. Be it health issues, exhaustion or something that involves 12 steps and 28 days to complete, we wish the best for Weir and hope he takes care of whatever ails him. The road is a hard life and after 50 years of calling the rock n’ roll highway his second home, its no wonder he’s feeling the wear and tear.
UPDATE:
Tim Flannery, friend of Weir’s and coach for the SF Giants baseball team, shared Weir’s response to his email.
“Thnx, I’m doing fine, just a bit too much work and especially travel. This year has been especially busy; I’ve put in more miles in the first six months than I normally do in a year. Taking some time off, which I haven’t done in 50 years…
Cheers,
Weir”
Can’t wait for a 50 Year Anniversary Tour for the good ol Grateful Dead!
