Dave Mason, the 79-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist, has announced his retirement from touring after six decades on the road.
Mason canceled all of his tour dates in June due to ongoing health issues. In September 2024, he postponed additional dates after an “urgent heart condition” was discovered during a routine checkup, leading to a hospital stay. Mason had intended to reschedule those performances earlier this year before ultimately deciding to cancel them.
At the time of the June cancellation, Mason was recovering from what he described as a “severe infection” contracted in March. “With deep regret, I must cancel all tour dates for 2025 due to ongoing health issues stemming from the infection I had in March,” Mason said in a statement.
“I’m incredibly grateful to my team of doctors—this has been challenging territory, to say the least,” Mason said. “A heartfelt thank you to all the fans, and to my family, band, agents and the venues who have waited patiently and supported me throughout this journey. Your kind messages have lifted my spirits more than words can express. Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep.”
According to a press release announcing his retirement, Mason is working on a children’s book and plans to release a collection of previously unreleased recordings spanning his 60-year live career.
Mason was a founding member of Traffic, co-writing and singing the classic “Feelin’ Alright?” He was also a member of Fleetwood Mac and had a successful solo career, including the 1977 hit “We Just Disagree,” which reached No. 12 on the charts.
His final concert took place in August 2024 in Plainfield, Indiana, a month before the heart issue was discovered. The setlist included Traffic songs such as “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”
Mason’s memoir, “Only You Know & I Know,” was released shortly before the tour cancellation in 2024. His most recent album, “A Shade of Blues,” was released in March.
