Sad news has come out of the moe. camp today, with the recent announcement that the band would be going on an unplanned hiatus starting August 1st. After being diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer last week, Rob Derhak will be starting treatment in early August. moe.’s upcoming summer shows falling after August 1st will be canceled, though the group still plans to perform their two remaining shows in July (7/21 NYC, 7/28 Huckleberry Jam) as well as their appearance at Lockn’ Festival with Phil Lesh. More announcements about the group’s upcoming tour with Railroad Earth will be announced in the next few days as they continue to sort out logistics. You can read Rob’s letter to fans below, which was paired with the email announcement of the group’s hiatus. So much love and well wishes to Rob as he enters treatment. We love you!
A letter from Rob:
Early last week I was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. Although I’d known something wasn’t quite right for a while, I wasn’t expecting to get this news. The prognosis is good, and the survival rate is high. Unfortunately the treatment will be rough on my body, and my voice. I will be out of commission for the foreseeable future, which means, moe. will be going on an unplanned hiatus. My treatments will begin in early August, and I will not be available for our planned summer tour. I’m very happy that we, as a band and a fan base, were able to successfully bring moe.down back this Summer and I thank you all for your support. My love for our music, my band mates, our crew, and all of you continually grows and I hope to be back on stage doing what I love to do sometime soon. Until then, know that I’m in good hands, and I’m forever grateful for all of your support.
Your Pal,
Rob