(CelebrityAccess) — Former Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh announced he’s canceling several upcoming festival performances while he recovers from back surgery.
“This past weekend we learned that Phil needs to have minor back surgery. Per his Doctor’s orders, he will need some time to rest and rehabilitate,” a statement posted to Lesh’s social media said.
“Phil looks forward to performing and doing what he loves most for everyone very soon,” the statement added.
Affected shows include Levon Helm’s Dirt Farmer Festival in Accord, New York, Blackbird Presents’ Outlaw Festival, which takes place in Saratoga Springs on September 7th and 8th; and the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, which is set for Telluride, Colorado on Sept. 13-15.
As a result of Lesh’s cancellation, the Dirt Farmer Festival has been completely reconfigured and will instead take place as a pair of standalone concerts at Levon Helm Studios. The Sept. 6th show will feature Midnight Ramble Band, Mercury Rev (Jonathan & Grasshopper), Anders Osborne, Birds of Chicago, while the Sept. 7th concert will showcase Midnight Ramble Band, Steve Earle, Phil Cook, Elizabeth & The Catapult.
Lesh is next scheduled to perform with Phil Lesh & Friends as part of a three-night stand at the Capitol Theater, starting on October 31st.
