Ed Sheeran (Photo: Greg Williams)
After his bike accident earlier this week, Ed Sheeran was unsure what the fate of his upcoming world tour would be. This morning, it was announced that his impending shows in Asia are canceled. In an Instagram post, showing a new photo of his cast, Sheeran says, “A visit to my doctors confirmed fractures in my right wrist and left elbow that will leave me unable to perform live concerts for the immediate future. Sadly, this means that the following shows will not be able to go ahead as planned: Taipei, Osaka, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong. I’m waiting to see how the healing progresses before we have to decide on shows beyond that. Please stay tuned for more details.” The post adds that “Ed isn’t typing this as he has both arms casted/bandaged.”
Gord Downie, frontman for Canadian rockers The Tragically Hip, has passed away from brain cancer at the age of 53. The beloved musician announced his diagnosis in the spring of 2016 and the Hip embarked on a fairwell tour of their home country to say goodbye to their fans. The Tragically Hip was one of the biggest rock bands in Canada over the past 25+ years. Though they never reached the same level of success in the U.S., the band had a die-hard following in the States.
In announcing his death, Downie’s family said in their own statement, “Gord knew this day was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss… on the lips. Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.”
The Hip were beloved back home and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement today, saying, “Gord’s command of language was profound. He painted landscapes with his words, elevating Canadian geography, historical figures, and myths. When he spoke, he gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be Canadian. Our identity and culture are richer because of his music, which was always raw and honest – like Gord himself.”
Queens of the Stone Age have announced a run of North American tour dates in early 2018 in support of their latest album Villains. The new dates begin in Victoria, BC on January 22 and wind up in Los Angeles on February 17. Queens will wrap up their east coast touring on October 24 at Madison Square Garden in New York before spending all of November touring overseas.
