Jazz breaking news: Sonny Rollins pulls out of EFG London Jazz Festival

Festival producers Serious have issued a statement confirming that due to ongoing health issues, Rollins will no longer be performing on Saturday 18 November, in what was to be his fourth appearance at the festival since 2007.

Sonny Rollins’ office has issued the following statement: “Earlier this year, Sonny began to experience respiratory symptoms that affected his playing. His doctor prescribed rest and a course of treatment that he hoped would eliminate the symptoms quickly and would enable Sonny to resume his performance schedule. Although Sonny has made good progress, his symptoms are unfortunately not completely gone, and he is not yet at the point where he can physically perform a concert at the high level that has always been his standard. Last week, in consultation with his doctor, Sonny decided that he needs to devote the remainder of this year to rest and the prescribed therapy in order to address his current health issues. Therefore all concerts scheduled for the remainder of 2013 have been postponed. Sonny is determined to get stronger and hopefully return to performing in 2014”

Festival organisers Serious hope to announce a replacement headliner soon and have said ticket holders will be able to attend that concert instead, switch to another concert, or receive a full refund. John Cumming, director of Serious, has commented: “Serious and the EFG London Jazz Festival are proud to have worked happily with Sonny over many years. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to working with him again in the future”

See the September issue of Jazzwise (out on 15 August) for all the latest EFG London Jazz Festival artist announcements and news

For more info go to www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk