British rock legend Dave Mason — best known as a classic member of the band Traffic, a one-time member of Fleetwood Mac, and a prolific solo artist — has announced his retirement from touring, citing health issues.
The 79-year-old musician shared the news in a press release, which stated “ongoing health challenges” as the reason for the retirement. According to Setlist.fm, Mason last performed live in August 2024 as part of his “Traffic Jam Tour,” a trek that was cut short after doctors discovered that Mason was suffering from a “serious heart condition” during an otherwise routine health checkup.
Regarding his future endeavors, Mason’s press release reads:
“True to his artistic spirit, Mason will spend his retirement years pursuing creative projects, including an upcoming children’s book and in his studio culling over unreleased tracks from his 60-year career of live performances. He retires from touring a happy man with a heart full of gratitude to his band members, business colleagues, and especially his legions of fans who made his life one of deep satisfaction and fulfillment. The immensity of his joy remains solid as he steps back from the stage.”
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Mason’s musical legacy is vast and begins with his work as an on-again-off-again member of Traffic in 1967, 1968, and 1971. He wrote and recorded multiple songs on the band’s 1967 debut Mr. Fantasy and 1968 follow-up Traffic, sharing vocal duties with Steve Winwood. Mason also provided notable session work around this time, including a credit on Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland.
In 1971, Mason briefly rejoined Traffic for the acclaimed live album Welcome to the Canteen. That same year, he moved to the US — the Ojai Valley in California — to pursue his solo career. Mason’s solo material was reflective of the softer folk-rock sound of the nearby Laurel Canyon scene, and he went on to release over 10 studio albums throughout the 1970s and ’80s.
Mason’s solo work slowed after he joined Fleetwood Mac in 1993, recording one album with the band (1995’s Time) before departing the group shortly after. He’s dropped the occasional solo album in the years since, the most recent being a blues-rock offering, A Shade of Blues, this past March.
In his latter years, Mason also became known for his commitment to touring, often performing over 100 shows a year. Revisit his music in Traffic, as a solo artist, and with Fleetwood Mac (singing lead on “Blow by Blow”) in the players below.
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