Blues Traveler has postponed its tour, including a Sunday appearance at Taste of Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, because front man John Popper needs medical attention.
The band announced Friday that several concerts have been canceled or other bands would fill in for them because Popper must undergo surgery. At Taste of Lincoln Avenue, Gin Blossoms will pinch-hit at 8:30 tonight at Lincoln and Fullerton.
Popper says in a statement that there’s an issue with his spine that could lead to paralysis if not treated. No other details were provided.
The 49-year-old singer-songwriter says he’s sorry they “couldn’t identify the problem sooner and forgo being forced to postpone, reschedule or in some cases cancel upcoming appearances.”
Popper is the harmonica-playing co-founder of the rock band best known for the 1990s hits “Run-Around” and “Hook.” Blues Traveler most recently released the album “Blow Up the Moon” in 2015.