Camel‘s farewell tour was canceled due to a health emergency, as stated on the band’s official website. According to the explanation, the fate of the upcoming tour is uncertain because the band’s guitarist, Andy Latimer, has to undergo surgery.
Camel was getting ready to take the stage for the last time as a band with ‘The Final Chapter,’ and their fans were excited about the upcoming shows. Unfortunately, Andy Latimer’s health condition created an obstacle to the initial plans.
In the statement shared on their website, the band expressed their sadness over announcing the cancellation of the tour and explained that the guitarist was experiencing serious problems with his lower back. To resolve it, he needed an operation and an indefinite amount of time to heal, causing making the cancellation obligatory.
The text covering the situation read as follows:
“It is with great sadness and regret that Camel Productions must announce the cancellation of Camel’s 2023 tour. Shortly after rehearsals, Andrew Latimer became troubled by a sharp pain in his lower back that advanced into his leg and foot. He was sent for diagnostic tests, which quickly revealed a severe condition that requires urgent surgery.
Recovery time is uncertain, and it is this uncertainty that prevents us [from] looking at other options, such as postponement. However, recovery is suggested to take 8-12 weeks minimum, so there is no possibility of Andrew continuing with the tour. And without Andrew, there can be no tour, so cancellation is unavoidable.”
Following the first part of the statement, the band wrote:
“We know this news will be immensely upsetting to fans as it is to the band. We are all so grateful for the support of fans who purchased tickets and particularly appreciative of the many emails from fans near and afar who shared their excitement. Throughout his career, Andrew Latimer has had numerous physical challenges on tours and has always overcome them. Camel look to the future for another opportunity to write The Final Chapter.“
Camel’s farewell tour was put aside, and there will not be a new date announcement until Andy Latimer’s condition and recovery process take a more certain shape. Hopefully, the guitarist will get well soon, and the band will meet their fans one more time before their retirement.