Due to two positive Covid-19 cases in his All-Starr band, Sir Ringo Starr has been forced to postpone the remainder of his North American tour.
After keyboardist Edgar Winter and guitarist Steve Lukather both contracted the virus, the former Beatles drummer, 81, was forced to reschedule a number of shows.
Sir Ringo said in a statement, ‘We are so sorry to let the fans down. It’s been wonderful to be back out on the road and we have been having such a great time playing for you all.’
‘But as we all know, [Covid] is still here and despite being careful these things happen’.
The shows, which were scheduled to take place in June in locations such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, have been pushed back to September, with the dates still to be determined.
The music legend concluded his speech by thanking his fans for their understanding.
He added, ‘I send you all peace and love, and we can’t wait to be back in [the autumn]’.
Winter, 75, a musician and lyricist for 50 years, had already missed three gigs after contracting the virus, and Lukather, 64, best known for forming the 1970s rock band Toto, is now unable to continue touring as well.
Fans were obviously unhappy, but remained compassionate, with one commenting on social media, ‘This is a shame. Wish a speedy recovery to All-Starr Band members who are unexpectedly testing positive.’
Sir Ringo recently received an honorary degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
Speaking at the ceremony, the drummer, who was a member of the Fab Four for eight years, remarked, ‘It’s far out, I don’t have a lot to say.’
‘The idea that I’m a doctor blows me away. You know, I just hit [the drums],’ he added while speaking in front of a small crowd.
‘I just hit the b******,’ he said jokingly. ‘And it seems to be, I hit them in the right place.’
The rocker then gave the audience an impromptu drum lesson and revealed how he trained his son Zak, now 56, how to play the drums.