The Goo Goo Dolls have postponed a string of their current tour dates (Picture: Getty)
The Goo Goo Dolls have been forced to postpone a string of dates on their current tour, after John Rzeznik was hospitalized.
The Iris singers were due to perform in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria this week, but confirmed that they will be rescheduling the performances to next year.
Taking to Instagram, the group shared a video from John’s hospital bed as the frontman revealed he has been battling pneumonia.
‘Hey everybody, this is John from the Goo Goo Dolls. I’m truly sorry that I cannot be there but I wound up going to the doctor and I have pneumonia,’ the 58-year-old told fans.
‘They checked me into the hospital and I’m stuck here for a day or two. But we’re working on getting back down there as fast as we can. I will keep you informed about that.
‘I’m just really sorry that we couldn’t do this. I apologize that this happened and we’ll come down there and make it up to you guys. Thanks for being patient.’
Alongside the upload, a message from the group confirmed the new dates had already been decided on.
‘We’re heartbroken to postpone our South Africa shows,’ it read. ‘This country means so much to us, and we were so excited to create more memories with you. Sadly, my doctor has advised rest and recovery.
‘Thank you for your understanding—we’ll make it worth the wait when we return in March 2025! Rescheduled Dates: March 25 – Cape Town March 27 – Durban March 29 – Pretoria.’
Right on cue, fans rushed to the comments below, insisting that John didn’t need to apologize for his health issues and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Fans rushed to support the frontman (Picture: Getty)
Omalogus65 replied: ‘Dude you are one of the hardest working touring musicians of all time. You don’t have to apologize to anybody. Hope you get better soon sir, wishing you a speedy recovery.’
‘My heart just dropped seeing you on this hospital bed,’ Frenchalexinla wrote. ‘Please take care of yourself. We love you and hope for a speedy recovery.’
Bronzdl said: ‘Wishing you a speedy recovery all the way from South Africa John! Your health comes first. I was so looking forward to seeing you guys on Saturday but March 2025 is not far.’
First_Mate723 wrote: ‘Johnny, you’re the hardest working performer. Pneumonia can be very serious and thankfully, you are in good hands and exactly where you need to be to recover and rest. Your fans will always be here for you!!!’
John formed the group in the mid 80s (Picture: Rex)
As Paulacalievans added: ‘So sorry to hear this. Pneumonia is no joke and your health is top priority. Wishing you a speedy recovery.’
The Goo Goo Dolls are next set to perform in Naples in December 14, before kicking of 2025 with an appearance in New York.
John formed the group in the mid 80s with Robby Takac and George Tutuska, and they went on to release their self-titled first album in 1987, following it up with Jed two years later.
In 1998, they blessed us with Iris – one of the biggest songs in music history – which was included on the City of Angels soundtrack and went on to top the charts in the US, Australia and Canada.
‘I never expected that to happen,’ he told Guitar Player of the huge success. ‘It’s interesting to me that a song I wrote for a film should have such a big life of its own. I guess a lot of people will know the song and yet never even know who Goo Goo Dolls are.
‘The scale of the success of this marked a major career shift for us as a band.
‘This was the one that really took everything up another level in terms of recognition and success, and it definitely shut the door on the portion of our career before that. I remember Robby and I looked at each other when the strings were being recorded, and we asked ourselves, “Should we really be doing this?”
‘Then we both kind of agreed: Yeah, definitely. It was cool, you know? I’m glad we did it.’
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