The Goo Goo Dolls have abruptly canceled the remaining dates of their Canadian tour after lead vocalist John Rzeznik was diagnosed with pneumonia and has not fully recovered from the illness. The American rock band announced the cancellation of their final four shows across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.
Tour Dates Canceled Across Eastern Canada
The band was scheduled to perform at Ottawa's Canadian Tire Centre, Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, Halifax's Scotiabank Centre, and Moncton's Avenir Centre over the coming week. These cancellations follow three previous show cancellations in Ontario cities including Sault Ste. Marie, Oshawa, and Hamilton earlier in the tour.
Band's Official Statement on Social Media
"Unfortunately, we must cancel the remaining dates on our Canadian Tour," the band shared in a social media post. "John was diagnosed with pneumonia and has not fully recovered. We are disappointed and can't wait to get back to Canada as soon as possible."
The Goo Goo Dolls, best known for their megahits including Iris and Name, performed in London, Ontario on Saturday night at Canada Life Place. Despite clearly being ill, Rzeznik managed to complete the show while holding tissues on stage and telling the audience he was taking cold medicine to get through the performance.
Western Canadian Leg Completed Before Illness Worsened
Before arriving in Ontario, the band successfully completed performances across Western Canada in cities including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Abbotsford, British Columbia, and Victoria, British Columbia. The Buffalo-founded band, formed in 1986 by Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac, has upcoming scheduled shows in the United States beginning with a festival in Georgetown, Texas on April 18.
Previous Tour Cancellations Due to Illness
This marks the second round of cancellations for the band's Canadian tour, with three previous Ontario shows called off "due to illness" before the complete cancellation of the remaining dates. The 60-year-old frontman's pneumonia diagnosis has forced the band to make the difficult decision to cancel their remaining Canadian appearances to allow for proper recovery.
The band expressed their disappointment at having to cancel the shows and emphasized their eagerness to return to Canada for performances in the future. Fans who had purchased tickets for the canceled shows are advised to check with their point of purchase for refund information and updates regarding potential rescheduled dates.
