Legendary reggae act Toots & The Maytals have cancelled all upcoming dates - including a scheduled performance at Dublin's Button Factory on July 30th - in the wake of an injury sustained by lead singer Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert at a performance in Virgina, at which a vodka bottle thrown from the crowd struck the 70-year-old on the head.
A statement from the band today read:
KINGSTON JAMAICA, June 17, 2013
Based on doctors’ orders and due to continuing medical issues being experienced by Toots & the Maytals’ Frederick “Toots” Hibbert that are directly related to the head injury received on May 19, 2013 in Richmond Virginia, all future performances of Toots & the Maytals have regrettably been cancelled. This cancellation includes 'Groovin in the Park' in New York (June 30) and the planned 6 week European summer tour (July 3-August 14), This unavoidable decision was made by Toots' medical team as it has been determined that any performances at this time could seriously compromise the artiste's health and well being.
Toots thanks all of his fans worldwide who have expressed their concern and sent their messages and prayers in emails and postings on Facebook.
A legal team representing Toots have brought a civil suit to the tune of $21m against the bottle thrower, William Connor Lewis, and felony charges will be detailed on July 1st.
You can watch the incident below (skip to 2:25)
