Jimmy Buffet, the famous hitmaker, entrepreneur, and songwriter, is known for his Margaritaville resorts, and for millions of fans, is emblematic of sun, sand, and surf.
However, the 76-year-old legend has recently had to cancel a number of shows after an unknown health scare landed him in a Boston hospital. Buffet had to pull the plug on his gig in Charleston, South Carolina, after getting what he thought was a routine checkup. The New York Post reported:
The “Margaritaville” hitmaker said he had to “address some issues that needed immediate attention” as he canceled his gig on May 20, when he was set to perform with his Coral Reefer band in Charleston.
“I had a sudden change of plans this week that affected us all,” Buffett wrote on social media Thursday. “Two days ago, I was just back from a trip to the Bahamas, thawing out from the California ‘winter tour,’ and chomping at the bit to get to Charleston.”
If you have never experienced Jimmy Buffet in Cincinnati you have missed out.
Get well soon. https://t.co/ZQJjmwpIsm
— GussieD- (Anne) 🍊 (@Gussied71) May 19, 2023
It was after the routine checkup that Buffet was admitted to a Boston hospital. He went on to say:
“Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you,” Buffett added. “I also will promise you, that when I am well enough to perform, that is what I’ll be doing in the land of She-Crab soup.”
“You all make my life more meaningful and fulfilled than I would have ever imagined as a toe-headed little boy sitting on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico,” he added.
“Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, your amazing years of loyalty, and just remember, ‘NOT YET!’ Love to all!”
Jimmy Buffet will likely die on stage or at least on tour. He has been a force on the road for the entirety of his career, often selling out two and three consecutive shows in the same venue. “Parrotheads” are second only to “deadheads” in their loyalty and zeal to follow their idol.
The ageless wonder is currently working on a new album with his Coral Reefer band, which will be their first record since the release of their 2020 project, “Life On The Flip Side.”
Sadly, it isn’t the first time Buffett has experienced health issues in recent times resulting in the cancellation of gigs.
In September 2022, the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” singer was briefly hospitalized, which forced him to cancel five of his remaining shows that year.
“Due to health issues and brief hospitalization, Jimmy will need to refrain from touring for the rest of the year,” his rep said at the time. “On doctor’s orders, he must take this time to recuperate and heal. Jimmy looks forward to getting back on stage next year.”
Being such a fan-friendly artist, Jimmy Buffet almost always makes up the missed gigs, and Charleston is no different. Buffet is already trying to work out a makeup date, and all tickets are being either refunded or honored whenever the new date is announced.
Growing old truly isn’t for sissies, as Jimmy said, but it is a sad fact of life. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Buffet. Summertime and America need him around just a little bit longer.
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