Dave Mason has officially announced his retirement from touring, bringing an end to a remarkable 60-year run on the road.
The 79-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist had already canceled all of his 2025 shows due to ongoing health struggles. His final performance took place in August 2024 in Plainfield, Indiana, just weeks before doctors discovered a serious heart condition during a routine checkup.
Mason was forced to postpone tour dates in September 2024 after being hospitalized. In March 2025, he suffered a severe infection that further complicated his recovery, eventually leading him to cancel his entire schedule earlier this year.
“With deep regret, I must cancel all tour dates for 2025 due to ongoing health issues stemming from the infection I had in March,” Mason said at the time. “I’m incredibly grateful to my team of doctors — this has been challenging territory, to say the least. A heartfelt thank you to all the fans, and to my family, band, agents and the venues who’ve waited patiently and supported me throughout this journey. Your kind messages have lifted my spirits more than words can express. Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep.”
Although his touring career has ended, Mason is far from done creating. A press release confirmed that he is working on a children’s book and preparing to release a collection of previously unheard live recordings spanning his six decades in music.
Mason’s legacy includes his early days with Traffic, where he co-wrote and sang the timeless classic “Feelin’ Alright?” — later covered by artists from Joe Cocker to Grand Funk Railroad. He also had a brief stint with Fleetwood Mac, and his solo career produced hits such as the 1977 single “We Just Disagree.”
At his last concert, Mason revisited highlights of his career, including Traffic’s “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” and Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”
Beyond the stage, Mason has remained active in recent years. His memoir, Only You Know & I Know, was published in 2024, and his most recent studio album, A Shade of Blues, arrived earlier this year.
For Mason, stepping away from touring marks the end of an era, but his music and stories will continue to reach new generations.
