Aslan gig cancelled due to ‘setback’ with lead singer Christy Dignam’s cancer treatment

Band apologises to fans over postponement and says it is looking to reschedule concert

In its statement, the band said 'Christy’s health is the priority,' Photograph: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile via Getty Images
In its statement, the band said 'Christy’s health is the priority,' Photograph: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Dublin rock band Aslan have been forced to postpone an upcoming concert in the 3Arena this weekend due to a “setback” with the lead singer Christy Dignam’s cancer treatment.

The gig would have been the band’s biggest show of their career so far, celebrating their 40th anniversary.

Ticketmaster sent an email to ticket holders on Wednesday afternoon informing them the event had been postponed and would “no longer be taking place” on its originally scheduled date of Saturday September 17th.

A message from the band, included in the email from Ticketmaster, said “everything was going well” in the lead up to their 3Arena show and “Christy was doing great”.

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“However, he has suffered a setback with his treatment, and we have now been instructed by his doctors that it is not advisable for Christy to perform this Saturday.”

Singer Christy Dignam was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder cancer in 2013 and has been receiving treatment for the disease.

The band members were all “devastated to have to share this news” and were “working hard to find a new date” at the same venue.

“So do hold on to your tickets, as they will be fully valid for the rescheduled date,” the statement said.

The band members told fans that “Christy’s health is the priority, and we also have to respect his privacy at these times.”

In a video message posted on social media, the other band members apologised to fans who had travelled or booked hotels and said they hoped to be back on stage soon.

Jade Wilson

Jade Wilson

Jade Wilson is a reporter for The Irish Times