Deer Tick Postpone New Year’s Run Following John McCauley’s Hospitalization

A note from McCauley, posted right before December 25, explains, “Hello friends, John here. I have some upsetting news just in time for Christmas. 😕 On Monday I was taken by ambulance to the hospital for acute back pain. My back had been sore for a few days but I didn’t think much of it. Suddenly the pain became so intense it had me feeling nauseous and sweating profusely, causing me to collapse in my kitchen (no injuries from that, thank goodness). About an hour later, after I peeled my sweaty face off the floor, I wasn’t able to walk, never mind climb stairs, sit in a chair, pick up my 11 lb. Jazzmaster, etc. Turns out I have a herniated disc in my lower back. I’m able to walk with a walker today, and after Christmas I will be spending many weeks in physical therapy to get back into fighting shape.

This sucks for many reasons, the biggest one being we are forced to postpone our shows in Northampton, MA and our big 21st Birthday Party on New Year’s Eve in Providence. Unfortunately we didn’t get to do anything all that special for our 20th Anniversary last year, so we were really looking forward to this opportunity… starting our 21st year as a band together on a high note! But it seems like the only high notes I’ll be singing is when I yelp when I turn my body the wrong way. I swear, if I thought I could muscle through the pain and put on a great show, I’d fuckin’ do it. But at this point, in what will likely be a months-long recovery period, I wouldn’t even be able to handle the 2 hour car ride to Northampton. Sorry to disappoint. I’m aware that some people had arranged travel and hotels for these shows. I wish I could wave a magic wand and fix it. I guess when your band turns 21 it means you start having back problems. 🙃 Thank you to the Iron Horse and the Uptown Theater for quickly accommodating us with these rescheduled dates. Purchased tickets will be honored for new dates and refunds at point of purchase. Happy Holidays, -John McCauley.”