Grateful Dead drummer and founding member Bill Kreutzmann announced on Monday that he has pulled out of Dead and Company’s upcoming Playing in the Sand concerts in Mexico, citing health concerns.

Kreutzmann wrote on Twitter: “Playing in the Sand has become my favorite tour stop in recent years and there’s so much about it that’s just so great. And thus, it is with a heavy and still recovering heart that I have to relay a note that I received from my doctor this morning ordering me to sit this one out.  After a lifetime of playing special beats, it’s almost no wonder that my heart came up with its own idea of rhythm. All jokes aside, my doctor has ordered me to take it easy (and stay safe) through the end of January so that I can continue to drum and play for you for many tours to come. I have a lot of music left in me and there’s no stopping me from playing it. I’ve never been one to obey orders or play by the rules but in the interest of longevity, I hope you’ll understand. I wish my brothers in the band the best these next two weeks and I look forward to meeting back up with them — and with you — before you know it. Please stay safe out there so that we can do it all again.”

Kreutzmann had to miss several Dead and Company shows last fall, with Jay Lane filling in for him. Lane is expected to fill in for Kreutzmann in Mexico as well.

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