On Thursday (July 27) afternoon, the New Riders of the Purple Sage announced that they would be cancelling the rest of their shows for 2017 as founding member David Nelson fights cancer.
In February, it was announced that Nelson, who founded the band in 1969 with Jerry Garcia, Mickey Hart, John Dawson and Bob Mathews, had been diagnosed with colon cancer. At the time, it was said that he would be focusing on his treatment and healing over “the next few months” but it appears that it is going to take a bit longer.
The New Riders posted an update today with the cancellation announcement:
NRPS will not be able to play our upcoming shows this summer, we hope to be back on the road by this this fall. David is still healing up and he really looks forward to playing music for you soon !
Throughout their almost fifty year career, the New Riders of the Purple Sage have released over two dozen studio and live albums with their latest being 2013’s Glendale Train. Nelson was a member of the band from its inception in 1969 until 1982, rejoining in 2005. He’s also played with his own David Nelson Band, the Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band and Phil Lesh & Friends.
