Melbourne punk band Slowly Slowly are putting their future plans “on hold” as frontman Ben Stewart endures health challenges.
Slowly Slowly have been playing the ol’ tour reschedule game ever since they released their third album, Race Car Blues, in February 2020. They’ve made a total of five reschedule announcements already, as well as releasing the sequel LP, Race Car Blues Chapter Two, in February 2021.
The band has now pulled the pin on the remaining Race Car Blues tour dates, citing Stewart’s health as the primary cause. “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that the rest of The Race Car Blues Tour is officially cancelled due to current health challenges for frontman Ben Stewart,” says a statement from the band’s management.
The nature of Stewart’s health struggles aren’t specified, but the statement says, “we’re all hopeful for Ben’s full recovery.” With the combined setbacks of Stewart’s ill-health and COVID restrictions, Slowly Slowly are also putting the band “on hold for the time being.”
The Melbourne quartet were due to play four sold-out hometown shows in early September. There was every chance these would’ve been rescheduled, however, as Melbourne’s current lockdown is set to last up until Thursday, 2nd September.
It’s not all bad news – the statement ends by suggesting that fans keep an eye out for a “very special live set” from Fitzroy dance venue, The Night Cat, coming soon.