Yesterday, George Clinton announced that he is going to retire from touring in May 2019. The Parliament/Funkadelic frontman, who turns 77 in July, has more than 50 dates scheduled between now and Near Year’s, including shows in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
“This has been coming a long time,” Clinton told Billboard. “Anyone who has been to the shows over the past couple of years has noticed that I’ve been out front less and less.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer recently underwent pacemaker surgery, however, Clinton emphasized that the surgery had no direct influence on his decision.
“Truth be told…It’s never really been about me. It’s always been about the music and the band. That’s the real P-Funk legacy. They’ll still be funkin’ long after I stop.”
In January, Clinton revived his long-dormant funk outfit Parliament for the group’s first album in nearly four decades. Dubbed Medicaid Fraud Dog, the forthcoming record is a long-awaited follow up to the band’s 1980 LP, Trombipulation. With its slow-burning funk groove, female background singers, hand-clapping beat and a guest appearance by Geto Boys rapper Scarface, the song is a hodgepodge of sounds that harkens back to Parliament’s heyday while also embracing more modern musical styles. You can listen to the album’s debut single, “I’m Gon Make U Sick O’Me” below.
Head to George Clinton’s website for a list of upcoming tour dates.