Legendary reggae singer Bunny Wailer had to cancel a last-minute gig he had on Friday in Fort Lauderdale due to the flu, according to a statement issued by the musician's agent. He also canceled a Sunday show in Atlanta.
Fans had gathered in the Culture Room to see singer perform on stage when a midnight announcement revealed that Wailer, 69, was in the hospital where they were running tests.
"To my Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta fans, I have been unable to fulfill the last two dates of my 40th anniversary Blackheart Man Tour in your area … due to a viral flu that had been affecting my band since we hit Austin, Texas (April 17)," Wailer said in an announcement released by his agent.
Wailer's statement said he and his musicians were at "various stages of recuperation." Wailer praised his band for delivering a full roster of shows "despite the uphill battle and toll" the illness had presented.
The Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta gigs were Wailer's final two dates of a 16-city North American tour, which kicked off April 13 in San Francisco. Wailer hopes to reschedule his missed show at the Culture Room for later this summer.