The Specials singer Neville Staple cancels all gigs

The Specials singer Neville Staple has announced a cancellation of all gigs and festival performances after being diagnosed with a serious heart defect.

A statement on X said the Coventry frontman had been treated at three different hospitals and prescribed medication to control his symptoms, which had stabilised the condition.

However, specialists had decided he needed to take a complete rest from live performing, the statement said.

He thanked fans for their support.

"Neville absolutely loves performing and is obviously devastated by this news," it said.

Originally a roadie for The Specials - then known as The Coventry Automatics - he joined the band as a singer in the late 1970s.

When the band split in 1981 he went on to form Fun Boy Three with fellow-bandmates Lynval Golding and Terry Hall, who died in December 2022.

He took part in reunion tours with The Specials but most recently had been performing with The Neville Staple Band alongside his wife and manager Christine "Sugary" Staple.

He had been set to play at the Birmingham International Ska and Reggae Festival in Birmingham in May, as well as dates in London, Macclesfield and Blackpool.

The diagnosis had taken place at the beginning of December 2023, the statement said.

"Neville knows that his fans and followers will understand the decision that has had to be made and he wants them to know that he is in the best possible hands with his medical team, wife and family.

"He thanks you all for your love and support over the years and hopes to see you soon."

The statement said he still hoped to attend personal appearances for charities.

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