[Update 12/3/25]: After guitarist Rob Eaton was diagnosed with “acute cardio peritonitis” last month, Dark Star Orchestra will call up Splintered Sunlight’s Michael Kennedy to sub in for the band’s shows this week in Florida. Eaton had originally missed one show on November 28th and planned to get back onstage on the 29th in Huntington, NY, but was replaced by Zen Tricksters guitarist Tom Circosta.

According to DSO, “Rob is currently taking time off the road to focus on his health.” Late last month, Eaton revealed he was diagnosed with an inflammation of the tissue in his abdomen. Against his cardiologist’s recommendation, Eaton went out on tour. After two weeks, however, the 64-year-old guitarist relented, originally planning to sit out just the November 28th show.

“At the end of the day health is the most important thing,” Eaton said in a statement last week. “I can already feel the positive impact of listening to my body and taking this time off. I look forward to getting back on stage playing the music we all love so very much.”

Kennedy will take over the Bob Weir role in the Grateful Dead tribute band, beginning tonight, December 3rd, in St. Augustine, FL. Kennedy will remain on board through the rest of Dark Star Orchestra’s Florida run, performing in Clearwater (12/4) and both nights in Fort Lauderdale (12/5–12/6).

Following the Florida dates, DSO is off until a three-state, five-show New Year’s run, culminating with three shows at Port Chester, NY’s The Capitol Theatre (12/31, 1/2–1/3), at which point Eaton will hopefully be well enough to rejoin the band.

“We thank all of our fans for your understanding and support during this time as we all look forward to Eaton’s return to the stage,” the band concluded.

See the band’s full statement below, and find Dark Star Orchestra tickets here.

[Originally published 11/29/25]: Dark Star Orchestra took the stage Friday night in Huntington, NY, without Rob Eaton, as the guitarist rests following a diagnosis of “acute cardio peritonitis.” Eaton, who plays Bob Weir‘s role in the Grateful Dead tribute band, said in a statement he plans to resume touring tonight, November 29th, for night two in Huntington.

“To all DSO fans,” Eaton wrote Friday afternoon ahead of the show at The Paramount. “A few days before I was to head out on our fall tour I went to the hospital with severe chest pain. I was diagnosed with acute cardio peritonitis which lead [sic] me spend the night in the hospital.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, peritonitis is a condition that starts when “the thin layer of tissue inside the abdomen becomes inflamed.” Peritonitis can be caused by bacteria via an infection, a rupture inside an organ in the abdomen, or by other health conditions. Peritonitis can be treated with antibiotics, though some cases may require surgery and—if untreated—can be fatal if the infection spreads throughout the body.

“Despite the recommendation from the cardiologist,” Eaton continued, “I decided to try to make it to tour. Over the past week my health has deteriorated to the point where I’m unable to join my bandmates on stage tonight [November 28th]. I gave it everything I had these past 2 weeks but it finally caught up with me. With additional rest I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to finish the tour starting tomorrow (Saturday).”

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Dark Star Orchestra had already played 11 shows in seven states this month, from November 13 to 26th, before arriving in Huntington on Friday. After night two at The Paramount tonight, the band has a four-show Florida series in St. Augustine (12/3), Clearwater (12/4), and Fort Lauderdale (12/5–12/6) before breaking until a New Year’s run in the Northeast.

“I’m thankful to my wife and all my band and crew for their love and support through this,” Eaton continued. “I’ll be back stronger than ever with the proper rest and time to heal. Thanks in advance to all our DSO fans out there for understanding and supporting us through this time. At the end of the day health is the most important thing.

“I can already feel the positive impact of listening to my body and taking this time off,” he concluded. “I look forward to getting back on stage playing the music we all love so very much. Peace and love ~ Rob Eaton.”

Dark Star Orchestra resumes its tour tonight, November 29th, at The Paramount in Huntington, NY. Find tickets here and see below for Rob Eaton’s full statement.