Dave Mason Heart Surgery a Success: ‘So Lucky to Have Caught This’
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Dave Mason has shared great news about the heart valve replacement surgery that he had on November 11, 2024. In an update today (Nov. 12), the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer wrote that it was a success and he is now “home with strong vitals after an overnight stay.” He added that he was “so lucky to have caught this, as I was unknowingly on the brink of heart failure.” He had originally disclosed the news of his “serious heart condition” on September 23, that caused him to abruptly cancel his 2024 fall tour. At that time, during a routine appointment, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer revealed that doctors detected an issue that required immediate medical attention. In a post on November 4, the legend indicated that he would have the heart valve replacement surgery—the same that Mick Jagger had in 2019.
In the Nov. 12 update, Mason noted, “With my new heart I’d also like to thank your well wishes and prayers. [My wife] Winifred read every one to me! I know they helped and it sure lifted my spirits through it all. Recovery will steadily increase over the next 90 days, and the next 30 will be big. I’m already feeling better and my heart is full of gratitude for you all.”
As he prepared for the surgery, Mason wrote on Nov. 4, “My case hasn’t been necessarily straightforward, but I wonder if any serious heart issues are. I’m grateful to my team of doctors who’ve been excellent in guiding me through this. I am happily a candidate for a TAVR, which is a minimally invasive procedure. Mick Jagger has had the same surgery, and we’ve all been lucky to have him continue to entertain us. Music is my life, and it means the world to me to be able to share it with you.”
When he announced the news about his health in September, Mason indicated that he expects to resume his touring plans next year. “I’m heartbroken to have to cancel these dates, but it’s doctor’s orders,” he said, in the statement. “I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025.”
Mason’s memoir, Only You Know and I Know, arrived September 10, 2024. The book marks the first time a member of Traffic has penned a memoir, offering fans a rare glimpse into the extraordinary life and career of one of music’s unsung legends. He had a long run of dates in spring and summer for his “Traffic Jam” 2024 tour in which he shared the stage for some of the performances with the Beach Boys and Jefferson Starship. The fall leg of the tour had shows booked into October.
From the book’s May 9 announcement: In Only You Know and I Know, Mason shares captivating tales from his remarkable rock ‘n’ roll journey, recounting the many extraordinary situations he found himself in throughout his illustrious career. From recording sessions with legendary acts such as the Rolling Stones on “Street Fighting Man” and Paul McCartney on the #1 single, “Listen to What the Man Said,” to his time spent in Fleetwood Mac and beyond, Mason’s memoir is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories and insights. It’s available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
Filled with never-before-seen photographs, Only You Know and I Know delves into the highs and lows of Mason’s multifaceted career with candid storytelling and vivid anecdotes.
A co-founder of the legendary classic rock band Traffic, Mason’s musical path started strong and only grew more significant over time. In addition to his renowned work as a revered guitar player and singer-songwriter (who penned “Feelin’ Alright,” one of rock’s most-covered anthems, when he was only 21), Mason has appeared on some of the most acclaimed recordings in music history, including George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass album, the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” and close friend Jimi Hendrix’s classic “All Along the Watchtower.” After leaving Traffic, Dave’s popularity exploded with the release of his debut solo album, Alone Together—marked by sell-out performances at Madison Square Garden.
“I was 22 years old [when I started doing sessions and solo work],” Mason told Best Classic Bands, “and what the hell do you know when you’re 22? There was no manual. I was just out there following my dream. It just happened that I was in a lot of places where things worked out for me.”
Related: Our interview with Dave Mason
Mason, who turned 78 on May 10, recently unveiled a new version of the timeless Traffic hit, “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” breathing new life into the classic song with the help of modern blues rock icon Joe Bonamassa. The song has long been a cornerstone in Mason’s sets, a testament to its enduring brilliance and his personal connection to the song. “‘Dear Mr. Fantasy’ has been a favorite song of mine since its release in 1967,” he said. “I’ve played it live for years in a number of different arrangements. As I’ve often said, there are no old songs, just good songs, and ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy,’ in my mind, is one of the finest examples around.”
Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours
Watch Mason perform “We Just Disagree” at Farm Aid in 1986
Mason’s recordings are available for purchase here.
Mason’s co-author on the memoir, Chris Epting, is a veteran music journalist, and former columnist for the Los Angeles Times and Huffington Post. He has collaborated on memoirs with John Oates, Phil Collen of Def Leppard, and on a book with Doobie Brothers founding band members, Simmons and Johnston.
8 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationI’ve always liked Dave’s music and seen him many times throughout his career. My wife is an even bigger fan. It’s a shame that he feels that’s he’s got to be such a namedropper, at every opportunity, regarding his career, as the music should speak for itself. I was disappointed to also find that Dave is a bit of a crankapus, when my wife was getting her T-shirt signed at a show in recent years. I understand that some fans don’t understand boundaries, and that traveling on the road at his age is no picnic, but when you get to the point where you regard your fans as irritating, it may be time to stop — or at least stop doing signings and meet and greets.
I have always liked his music very much. My favorites songs of his are: “The Lonely One”, “Long Lost Friend” and “You can Lose it”. Songs that were not hits, but could have been if someone with ears…..
I saw the show in February. Great song selection and great supporting musicians. His voice is still strong and had a Master’s Class on guitar.
If it’s true that Paul McCartney had Mason play guitar on Wings’ “Listen to What the Man Said” that would be the second time he had a Dave Mason play on one of his big hits. Remember the name of the piccolo trumpet soloist on “Penny Lane”? Yep, David Mason.
Wonder how Steve Winwood feels about Mason calling his tour “Traffic Jam.” Anybody heard from him about it?
Dave Mason has many great songs on his own merit. But it is somewhat odd to be calling it “Traffic Jam Tour.” He could cover some of the iconic hits from Steve Winwood?
He has so many hits over the years and into the 1980;s, he stands in his own class. As long as the tour is not called Mr. Fantasy tour. Now a true fantasy tour would include Dave Mason, Capaldi and Winwood!
Melf… If he could pull that off with Capaldi involved, that would be interesting to say the least.
If you’re going to somehow, as Greg says, pull off a tour with Winwood, and Capaldi, you might as well go for it and include Chris Wood, to really do it right. Talk about a fantasy reunion!