News

Gang of Four Cancels Final Show of Tour Due to Illness

Gang of Four, currently led by original guitarist Andy Gill, were forced to cancel their final show of their 2019 tour, which was set to wrap up in Brooklyn, NY with a sold-out gig at Music Hall of Williamsburg. The cancellation came just moments before the band were slated to perform, though opener Public Practice played their hearts out to a mostly full room.

Tensions were high as a the crowd packed into the venue, but just a few moments before 10pm, a Bowery Presents employee announced that the band would not be able to perform. The lights came up, the crew began disassembling the stage, and the show was officially over. Via a statement issued by the band, Gill has been performing the last few dates while suffering from a chest infection, his dedication taking its toll at the final show, resulting in the last-minute cancellation. Here’s the statement the band has just released:

Last night at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY, GANG OF FOUR was unfortunately forced to cancel their show – the last performance on their quick U.S. run – as they were set to take the stage to a packed audience.

Struggling with a serious chest infection that had been developing over the last week while on the road, Andy Gill was rushed to the hospital early in the afternoon on Monday, February 25, 2019, with hopes he could get the necessary treatment and be released before show time at 9:30pm. With every effort to get on stage, the night progressed as planned. Sticking it out till the very last minute, the band and crew hoped for the best outcome – a slight delay in set time, and prepared to take the stage.

Recognizing the seriousness of Gill’s condition, the medical team felt otherwise and delayed Gill’s discharge from the hospital. When it became apparent that Gill would not be returning in time, the crew, band and Andy (on speakerphone), made the very difficult decision to cancel the show.

Gang of Four are heartbroken that they could not deliver a promised great end to the tour. With Andy’s health as a top priority, we apologize to the fans who had come out to support and they promise that the next time Gang of Four return to NYC, not only will Andy and band be in top shape, they will give the show an added push to give back to the fans.

Fortunately, despite the disappointing news, fans seemed to take the news in stride, shuffling out of the venue calmly, many still purchasing merch on the way out or staying for an extra drink or two. Refunds are currently being issued to all ticket holders.

We wish Gill a full and speedy recovery, and hope to see him and the rest of the band back in NYC soon!

Frank Deserto

Bassist of The Harrow, curator/writer at Cherry Red Records, and blogger at Systems of Romance.

Recent Posts

Listen to Detroit Dark Synth Duo Mission to the Sun’s Old-School Cyberpunk Track “In The Limit”

These are empty words They mean nothing Zeroed in the flesh You output the void…

12 hours ago

Atlanta-based Dark Synth Pop Duo Teardux Debuts Dancefloor Fever-Dream “Violets”

Your heart of stone I slept in silence Sweeter than a Georgia peach yet steeped…

13 hours ago

The Lowlife of the Party — Brooklyn Synth-Pop Duo The Mystic Underground Debut New Single “A Very Shady Character”

Scene: the dim, pulsating heart of a dive bar, where the music pulses through the…

16 hours ago

Shhadows & Small Planets Collaborate on Dream Pop Cover of Ned’s Atomic Dustbin’s “Grey Cell Green”

"The grey sells green only if the green cell's grey" In the orbit of the…

17 hours ago

A Zero Sum Game — Berlin Post-Punk Outfit Bleib Modern Debuts Devastating New Single “T​.​W​.​T​.​I​.​A.”

Embarking upon a profound meditation on the nature of success and loss, one invariably arrives…

18 hours ago

Watch Welsh Duo Plastic Estate Perform their Latest Synth Pop Single, “Open Eyes,” and More Live at Clwb Ifor Bach

On their records, Welsh duo Plastic Estate is a formidable post-punk and synth-pop act that…

19 hours ago