Aussie rock legend James Reyne has been forced to reschedule several upcoming shows to undergo treatment for skin cancer.
The 68-year-old singer-songwriter revealed his doctors advised him to push back a number of dates on his Fall of Crawl tour, which was set to kick off this weekend.
As Australia’s health authorities continue to grapple with rising skin cancer rates, Reyne described his diagnosis as a cautionary reminder about the long-term effects of sun exposure.
The revered musician, who grew up immersed in the Victorian surf culture that helped shape Australian Crawl into one of the country’s most successful bands of the 1980s, confirmed he requires surgery for a facial basal cell carcinoma.
“By way of explanation as to why we’ve moved some of the Fall Of Crawl shows, I’ve had a Basal Cell Carcinoma diagnosed on the skin under my left eye, a consequence of a lifetime in the sun,” he said in a statement.
“It needs to be surgically removed and involves a recovery period of a couple of weeks, so it’s meant that we’ve had to reschedule a few of the gigs.”
Reyne urged fans to take preventative measures against UV damage and to undergo regular skin checks.
He also called on health authorities to revive a Slip, Slop, Slap-style campaign comparable to those seen in previous decades, amid concerns that tanning is being glamorised on social media.
The rock veteran remains optimistic about his recovery and plans to continue the national tour, which runs through to June.
“Huge apologies for any inconvenience, but I’ve been advised to get this procedure done and we’ll be back, meatier, beatier, bigger, brighter and bouncier than ever before,” Reyne said.
“To that end, bring back the Slip, Slop, Slap ads and get yourself checked!”
Reyne will go ahead with scheduled performances at Hotel Brunswick on Friday and Jetty Beach House in Coffs Harbour on Saturday, followed by shows at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul on February 20 and Drifters Wharf in Gosford on February 21.
However, performances planned for Sydney and Penrith in late February, as well as Adelaide and the Bellarine Peninsula in early March, have been postponed to April and May.
The Fall of Crawl tour marks the 40th anniversary of Australian Crawl’s split in February 1986 and celebrates the band’s catalogue of hits, including Boys Light Up, Errol, Things Don’t Seem, Downhearted and the fan-favourite Reckless.
“It’s everything you know and love, celebrating things been and gone; and how time really does f…ing fly!” Reyne said when announcing the tour last year.
Fans have been advised that the Evans Theatre show in Penrith scheduled for February 27 has been moved to April 16, the Enmore Theatre performance on February 28 is now set for April 5, the Hindley Street Music Hall concert in Adelaide on March 6 will take place on May 15, and the Bellarine Estate show on March 8 has been rescheduled to April 11.
Updated tickets and tour date information is available at fallofcrawl.com.au.
Images: Instagram
