George Thorogood has called off his upcoming shows with the Destroyers due to a serious medical diagnosis. The renowned musician previously confirmed in December that The Bad All Over the World - 50 Years of Rock tour would celebrate the 50th anniversary of his collaboration with the Destroyers, having played their first show together on December 1, 1973.
However, Thorogood's health problems have disrupted his tour plans, forcing him to cancel performances after completing fewer than 10 shows this year.
George Thorogood's Concerts Canceled Due to Serious Health Issue An announcement on Thorogood's official social media account revealed the cancellation of his 2023 tour leg, citing a "very serious medical condition" as the reason for the decision.
The official statement read, "With great sadness, we must announce the cancellation of our Canadian and U.S. tour dates from April 27, 2023, through May 21, 2023. George has been diagnosed with a very serious medical condition that will require immediate surgery and quite a few weeks of recuperation and healing."
The canceled performances included 18 concerts scheduled in Canada and the US:
April 27 - Vancouver, British Columbia at Commodore Ballroom
April 28 - Vancouver, British Columbia at Commodore Ballroom
April 29 - Penticton, British Columbia at Trade and Convention Centre
April 30 - Prince George, British Columbia at CN Centre
May 2 - Grand Prairie, Alberta at Bonnetts Energy Centre
May 4 - Edmonton, Alberta at The Venue at River Cree
May 5 - Calgary, Alberta at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Event Centre
May 6 - Regina, Saskatchewan at Casino Regina
May 8 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at TCU Place
May 9 - Winnipeg, Manitoba at Burton Cummings Theatre
May 12 - Sudbury, Ontario at Sudbury Arena
May 13 - Peterborough, Ontario at Peterborough Memorial Centre
May 14 - Montreal, Quebec at MTelus
May 16 - Kitchener, Ontario at Centre in the Square
May 17 - Niagara Falls, Ontario at Fallsview Casino Resort
According to the initial list of concert dates and venues, Thorogood and the Destroyers were scheduled to take a break from May to July. It remains uncertain whether his health condition will also impact their planned return on July 14 in Jefferson, Wisconsin.
The band promised to provide updates on future shows in the coming weeks. Ticket holders for the aforementioned tour dates can obtain refunds at the point of purchase.
George Thorogood's Commitment to a Healthy Lifestyle Prior to his recent health setback, Thorogood had been an advocate for a healthy lifestyle. He established the Marla Thorogood Memorial Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research in memory of his wife, Marla, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2019.
In a 2020 interview with Dr. Nancy Berk, the "Bad to the Bone" singer explained the importance of taking control of one's health and encouraging loved ones to do the same.
He said, "I am dedicated to supporting ovarian cancer awareness, education, and research that will lead to providing screenings and educating more women about this disease. It is important for women to get annual exams and take charge of their health. My daughter and I want to do what we can to save lives."
Thorogood and his late wife were married in July 1985.