American jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers has been forced to cancel two upcoming UAE gigs following health concerns.
The 75-year-old vibraphonist was set to play two club dates over the Eid weekend, at DIFC’s R Trader, on Friday and Saturday (July 8-9).
However a statement released by organisers on Monday (July 4) evening said the shows had been cancelled after Ayer’s was “hospitalised due to a serious infection”. A planned gig in Brooklyn, New York on July 1 had earlier been cancelled.
The statement contented: “Roy’s condition has not stabilised at this point and [he] has been advised not to travel for a number of weeks so he can recover fully. (When he is released from hospital.)”
Ayers made his mark on the 1960s acoustic jazz scene, before moving on to play an influential role in the emerging jazz-funk genre spawned by the 1970s. He is best known for 1976 hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine.
The venue will refund all ticket-holders, and a spokesperson expressed hopes to reschedule the gig when “Roy is well enough to perform”.
R Trader’s new Rogue Sessions concept will resume on August 5 and 6 with Tom Browne. Contact the venue on 04 343 5518.
