Specials legend Neville Staple cancels all tour dates due to serious illness

His band From The Specials have issued a statement

Neville Staple in 2023
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 18th Jan 2024

Legendary Specials and Fun Boy Three vocalist Neville Staple has been forced to cancel all his upcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with a serious illness.

A statement issued on social media by his spin-off band From The Specials confirmed that Staple was diagnosed with a “serious heart defect” in early December.

68-year-old Staple has been to see numerous specialists at three different hospitals and his condition has stabilised, however doctors have advised him to stop performing live and touring.

Due to Staple’s condition, From The Specials have cancelled all their planned tour dates and festival appearances for 2024 and 2025.

“At the beginning of December 2023, the legendary frontman Dr #NevilleStaple #FromTheSpecials was diagnosed with suffering from a serious Heart Defect,” the statement begins.

“Neville has been treated at 3 different hospitals and specialist have prescribed treatments and medications to try to control his symptoms, and thankfully things do seem to have stabilised. However, specialists have decided that Neville needs to take a complete rest from live performing and touring.

“Neville absolutely loves performing and is obviously devastated by this news. He had gigs and festivals lined up for 2024 and beyond, all of which will have to be cancelled.

“Neville knows that his fans and followers will understand the decision that has had to be made and he wants them to know that he is in the best possible hands with his medical team, wife and family. He thanks you all for your love and support over the years and hopes to see you soon.

“Neville hopes to still attend personal appearances for charities, etc but will not be performing live shows.”

Seminal songs Neville Staple has performed on with The Specials include ‘Ghost Town’, ‘Gangsters’, ‘Too Much Too Young’ and ‘Do Nothing.’

Everyone at Absolute Radio wishes Neville well with his health battle.

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