The Fall have been forced to cancel their U.S. tour after leader Mark E. Smith was hospitalized. According to a press statement from band manager Pamela Vander, the band is gutted to cancel shows, but the good news is that Smith is on the mend and expected to make a full recovery. The U.S. tour is in the process of being rescheduled for 2018 and the new dates should be announced shortly.
Excerpt from Vander's statement:
"Due to the most recent hospitalization of our fearless leader Mark E. Smith, The Fall have had no choice but to cancel their U.S. dates for 2017.
Unfortunately it would be a gamble on his health to fly anywhere over the next couple of months. Mark’s current problems are connected to his throat, mouth/dental & respiratory system…continuing with the travel/shows would certainly harm any progress that we have made over the past few weeks.
These things happen. Most importantly, Mark seems to be hanging tough as always, and for what it’s worth, I’ve been told a re-schedule is already in the works for early 2018."
Read the statement in full over at Spin.
It hasn't been an easy 2017 for The Fall - back in April drummer Keiron Melling sustained head injuries after being "beaten to a pulp" in a train attack. Two men were later arrested in connection with the assault. Additionally, back in March the BBC erroneously reported that Mark E. Smith had died, and later apologized to Smith and fans worldwide.
The Fall released their new album New Facts Emerge in July. Stream in full below.
Published August 25th, 2017