Gordon Lightfoot ‘health issues’ lead to cancellation of entire 2023 tour

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Gordon Lightfoot has cancelled his U.S. and Canadian concert schedule for 2023 “due to health issues,” his tour publicist said in a statement early Tuesday.

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Lightfoot, 84, had numerous U.S. dates in April, June and September, and one Canadian show — Oct. 14 at Kitchener’s Centre in The Square — on the books but “is unable to confirm rescheduled dates at this time.”

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The statement continued: “We thank you for respecting his privacy as he continues to focus on his recovery.”

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Lightfoot has been a rigorous health nut (aside from smoking) with daily workouts since recovering from a September 2002 stomach aneurysm in his hometown of Orillia, Ont., while preparing for the second show of a two-night stand there.

He was airlifted to Hamilton’s McMaster Medical Centre and underwent emergency vascular surgery, followed by a six-week coma, a tracheotomy, and four more operations.

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Lightfoot had follow-up surgery in 2003 and in September 2006 had a minor stroke that temporarily left him without the use of the middle and ring fingers on his right hand but by 2007 he had full use again.

In the Sun’s most recent chat with Lightfoot in December 2022, he spoke about the death of fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Tyson (Four Strong Winds) and how instrumental Tyson had been to his career after covering Early Mornin’ Rain.

“He was the first person to record a Gordon Lightfoot song,” said Lightfoot.

“The next thing I knew I was getting launched into the music business. I’ve always been eternally grateful to (then folk duo) Ian & Sylvia for getting me started in this business.”

Lightfoot has also long covered Tyson’s song Red Velvet in his own concerts.

“That was about a guy trying to find his way back to his girl,” said Lightfoot. “Four Strong Winds, that’s the same as Red Velvet. They’re love songs.”

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