Comic cancels gigs to address neck and throat problems

Rhod Gilbert has been forced to postpone the final dates of his tour to undergo surgery.

The comic has already had to cancel a couple of shows in his Book Of John tour as he struggles with pain in his neck and throat.

And while he will perform at De Montfort Hall in Leicester tomorrow as planned, the remaining dates in Swansea, Hereford, Yeovil and Truro have been put on hold.

Writing on Facebook, the 53-year-old said that he made the decision with a ‘very heavy heart’.

He said: ‘As many of you will know, I’ve been struggling with pain in my neck and throat over the past few months.  I’ve been receiving treatment, and have continued to tour where possible.

‘I had sincerely hoped to go ahead with all dates as scheduled, but I’m afraid that is not going to be possible.  I am due to have surgery next week and will be hanging up my boots for a while whilst I recuperate.’

He said the cancelled dates would be rescheduled for early next year, adding: ‘ I know how frustrating this is.  We do not take these decisions lightly, and we are so sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you all - along with all the wonderful venues and staff, for your patience and understanding.

‘I have loved every one of the 200 or so Book Of John shows we have done.  I am genuinely gutted that we didn’t get to do the last seven shows as planned, but, rest assured, we will do everything we can to finish what we started!’

A couple of hours later, he added: ‘Thanks to everyone who’s sent well-wishes since we have been forced to postpone shows in recent weeks.’

Bosses at the Swansea Arena, where he was due to perform on Thursday, said: ‘We wish Rhod a speedy recovery, and we know that the show will be worth the wait!’ That date has been moved to Friday, January 13.

Published: 8 Jul 2022