Entertainment
The Specials star diagnosed with serious illness as band cancels all tour dates-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro
Devastating news.
![The Specials star diagnosed with serious illness as band cancels all tour dates-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SEC_187747885-706b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
The Specials have cancelled all tour dates as Neville Staple is diagnosed with a heart defect (Picture: Getty)
The Specials star Neville Staple has been diagnosed with a serious illness.
Legendary ska frontman Neville, 68, has been found to be suffering with a ‘serious heart defect’ and has been ordered to stop performing and touring.
The band announced the news on Thursday, confirming the singer would no longer be performing live shows – but giving a positive update on his health in that he has ‘stabilised’.
They wrote that Neville had been diagnosed with the defect in December, and has since been treated at three different hospitals.
Specialists have prescribed treatments and medications in an attempt 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 is said to be ‘devastated’ by the decision as he ‘absolutely loves performing.’
Neville and The Specials had gigs lined up throughout 2024 and beyond, which will now all be cancelled.
The legendary ska band shared the news with a statement on Thursday (PictureL Getty)
Neville is ‘devastated’ to have to stop performing (Picture: Getty)
‘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 appearances for charities, etc but will not be performing live shows.’
The Specials are one of the most celebrated ska bands of all time, and still massively popular in certain circles, regularly touring across the UK and Europe.
They had been due to perform dozens of dates in 2024, including multiple sold-out performances in London.
The band are best known for massive hits A Message To You Rudy, Ghost Town and A Message To You Rudy.
The Specials star Terry Hall, joint vocalist with Neville, died in December 2022 at the age of 63, shortly after being diagnosed with cncer.
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