Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason Announces Retirement from Touring After 60 Year Tenure

Venerable songwriter and guitarist, known as a founding member of Traffic, with roots in Derek and the Dominoes, and mid-90s tenure with Fleetwood Mac, Dave Mason is retiring from touring after six decades on the road. The musician’s decision to step away from a rigorous travel and performance schedule is the result of ongoing health issues, which he shared across his social media platforms. The post, which can be read in full below, underscores the significance of Mason’s accolades and eternal mark on the music industry. 

The post reads:

Legendary icon Dave Mason, aged 79, has officially announced his retirement from touring, closing the curtain on 60 remarkable years of rock n’ roll and marking the end of a significant era in music history. He cites ongoing health challenges as the reason behind this difficult decision.

For those who have attended a Dave Mason concert, you know the standard of excellence he demanded of himself and his band. One of Mason’s proudest achievements was keeping his performances entirely live and authentic—no backing loops, no overdubbed vocals, none of the “smoke and mirrors” often used to dilute the truth of a performance. Onstage, he was the real deal. Offstage, he embodied the consummate road dog, fully devoted to the work and the life he loved.

Dave Mason’s career spans an incredible six decades, first rising to fame as the co-founder of the groundbreaking band Traffic. His successful solo career followed, producing classics like Feelin’ Alright, Only You Know and I Know, Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave, We Just Disagree, Let It Flow, and Every Woman.

Often described as an “everywhere man”, Mason lent his talent to some of the most iconic songs of our time, collaborating with Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Graham Nash, Cass Elliot, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie, Spencer Davis Group, Eric Clapton, among others. His imprint on rock music is undeniable and monumental.

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.

Dave Mason’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of rock n’ roll and to a man who has followed his passion with authenticity and joy for more than six decades. His music will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.

Before Mason decided to embrace retirement, he appeared in the pages of Relix in July, where he opened up his new LP, his first-ever all-blues collection, aptly titled A Shade of Blue, and his ongoing health struggles. 

During the conversation, he mentioned the effect his career has on his physical well-being, “Doing big things is very hard. I’ve got to pretty much rebuild my entire body, my head, everything. It’s pretty bad.”

The aforementioned informed Mason’s decision to pull out of touring from March through May of this year. Telling Jeff Tamarkin, “I’m pretty beaten.” 

Derek Trucks also shared his affinity for Mason in conversation about Mad Dog and The Englishmen’s LOCKN’ appearance, which included instrumental aid from the now-retired guitarist and writer of Joe Cocker-associated “Feelin’ Alright.” 

Dropping affinity for Mason in the context of the Mad Dog tribute, Trucks said, “Dave was a stud too. I mean, he wrote some of those incredible tunes.” 

Celebrate Mason’s legacy by listening to “Feelin’ Alright,” performed with the Quarantines and released on his official YouTube channel.