Mark Lindsay announced today (April 20, 2021) that he won’t be performing on the Happy Together tour in either 2021 or 2022. The popular singer for Paul Revere and the Raiders, who scored with such hits as “Kicks,” “Good Thing” and “Indian Reservation,” cited the numerous ankle injuries that he has sustained throughout his life. He’s also backed off from participating in the Flower Power Cruise scheduled for March-April 2022.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Lindsay, who turned 79 on March 9, wrote, “After many thoughtful discussions… with my longtime agent… I’ve tried to make a decision that would be best for my long term life goals.
“My ankle injuries over the years — from childhood mishaps to falling into an orchestra pit to a major skateboard crash to jumping off amps to bouncing down a cliff on Maui — have all left a major mark on those joints. My left ankle isn’t in great shape, but my right ankle is the main problem – it’s a degenerative issue, resulting in bone IN bone with zero cartilage in the joint and painful even with limited use. The pain and damage ramps up with every mile I put on it.
“I need to be able to allocate my remaining miles the most logical way possible for the long term, and adrenalized stomping around on stage most every night for weeks isn’t the best way to do it. I’ve exhausted every option other than dialing back the miles I put on my ankles.
“I may potentially take a limited number of one-off live dates in the future, but only after evaluating each one carefully to determine if I can do it without creating more problems for myself.”
Watch Lindsay perform the Raiders’ “Kicks” in 2017
Lindsay, who had a pacemaker installed in 2018, alleviated fears that he was having any heart issues. “My heart and pacer are just fine and will require no further attention until my battery replacement is due in 6 years.
“Don’t worry…I’m definitely not retiring!” He noted that he will be finishing filming his hosting parts for a Where the Action Was ’60s documentary later this year.
Related: We talked to Lindsay about the Raiders’ great #1 hit, “Indian Reservation”
6 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationThanks Mark for a lifetime of good music. The Raiders were the soundtrack for my childhood!
One of the best . it seems he’s doing the right thing , taking care of himself. I can’t wait to see the documentary he’s working on. I’d like to hear a cd of all the songs they recorded for ” where the action is ” that were never released. A book about the show with guests and musical numbers listed would be great , plus a definitive book about the Raiders. The closest I have is a Goldmine cover story. I just watched every Raider clip I could find on Youtube from the show. I met Mark back in the early 2000’s and got his autograph on several record sleeves. He is such a nice guy. I do hope they get into the R n R hall, and its a shame they’re not. Let me just say there are tons of kids who picked up the gtr , drums or keyboard and started singing because of The Raiders , way more than Madonna & some of the other oddities in the rock hall. Enjoy your life Mark , you deserve it.
When, oh when, will the Hall of Fame come to its senses and put Paul Revere & the Raiders in? They’re long, long overdue.
Agreed! Tell Jann Wenner to loosen up.
Mark, PLEASE, you can go on stage and SIT!!!!! You’re Mark Lindsay! We love your voice and music! You don’t have to jump around like a teenager. WE ARE NOT TEENY BOPPERS ANY LONGER! Just go out there and SING & SMILE!
Love and respect, Cynthia Meadows, 65 yrs old!
Hey Mark, I had such a crush on you back in the day and still do. I have degenerative disk disease myself and know how painful it is. You take care of yourself, your loving fans will always be here for you