Elder have postponed the remaining dates of their North American tour with Blackwater Holylight and Bask, as bassist Jack Donovan continues to receive hospital treatment for a serious case of pneumonia.
Donovan was admitted to hospital in Portland, Oregon, on September 22, shortly before the band were due to play the city’s Roseland Theater. He had been trying to play through an illness for about a week before his condition suddenly got worse. Elder went ahead with the Portland concert without him, and at the time planned to continue the tour.
Two days later, on Thursday, September 24, the band announced that the rest of the run would be moved to a later date, as Donovan remains in hospital in Portland and could need treatment for days or weeks.
In a statement, Elder said:
“IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING OUR REMAINING TOUR DATES”
“With a heavy heart, we’re forced to postpone our remaining shows on this tour with Blackwater Holylight.”
“Jack’s struggle with a serious case of pneumonia is ongoing and he remains hospitalized in Portland. Although he’s getting the care he needs, his treatment is likely to continue for a number of days to weeks. As long as the situation remains critical, the thought of performing without him in any capacity is impossible.”
“We hate to disappoint and know that you’ve been looking forward to these shows as much as we have, but we’re also lucky to have the coolest fans in the world who doubtless understand the gravity of the situation. We promise we’ll come back stronger and make it up to you.”
“All ticketholders will be notified of rescheduled shows moving forward. This might take a bit so we appreciate your patience. If you prefer a refund, they can be issued by the point of sale.”
“Thank you to our friends, family and fans for your positive thoughts and to BWHL for being awesome and supporting Jack and us through this chaotic situation.”
New dates for the postponed concerts have not yet been announced. Ticket holders will be contacted once the shows are rescheduled, while fans who want a refund can request one from the place where they bought their tickets.
In their first update from Portland, Elder said doctors had told Donovan that his illness could have become life-threatening if he had not sought medical help when he did.
Donovan has played bass in Elder since the band formed in Massachusetts in 2006, alongside singer and guitarist Nick DiSalvo. Their most recent studio album, Innate Passage, was released in 2022.
The postponed dates are:
- Sep 28 – Avondale Music Hall, Chicago, IL
- Sep 30 – The Opera House, Toronto, ON
- Oct 1 – Théâtre Fairmount, Montreal, QC
- Oct 2 – Webster Hall, New York, NY
- Oct 3 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
