Neville Staple, the longtime vocalist formerly of ska band the Specials, has been forced to cancel performances planned for 2024 due to health issues.
An announcement shared via Staple's X account (formerly Twitter) noted how he was diagnosed with a heart defect in December of 2023.
"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 stabilized," the announcement reads, in part. "However, specialists have decided that Neville needs to take a complete rest from live performing and touring."
Staple joined the Specials in the late 1970s, appearing on the group's first two albums. In the early '80s, he would leave the band to form Fun Boy Three with fellow Specials bandmates Lynval Golding and Terry Hall, the latter of whom passed away in December 2022.
Outside of taking part in occasional reunion tours with the Specials, Staple had more recently been performing with the Neville Staple Band. "Neville absolutely loves performing and is obviously devastated by this news," the cancellation announcement reads, noting how the artist aims to "still attend personal appearances for charities."
"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."
Staple last delivered studio album From the Specials & Beyond in 2021. Find his complete announcement below.
An announcement shared via Staple's X account (formerly Twitter) noted how he was diagnosed with a heart defect in December of 2023.
"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 stabilized," the announcement reads, in part. "However, specialists have decided that Neville needs to take a complete rest from live performing and touring."
Staple joined the Specials in the late 1970s, appearing on the group's first two albums. In the early '80s, he would leave the band to form Fun Boy Three with fellow Specials bandmates Lynval Golding and Terry Hall, the latter of whom passed away in December 2022.
Outside of taking part in occasional reunion tours with the Specials, Staple had more recently been performing with the Neville Staple Band. "Neville absolutely loves performing and is obviously devastated by this news," the cancellation announcement reads, noting how the artist aims to "still attend personal appearances for charities."
"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."
Staple last delivered studio album From the Specials & Beyond in 2021. Find his complete announcement below.
