Dave Mason cancels tour to undergo heart operation

Dave Mason is undergoing treatment for a "serious heart condition"

Musician Dave Mason has cancelled US tour dates as he undergoes immediate treatment for a "serious heart condition", his team said.

The guitarist and songwriter, from Worcester, co-founded British rock band Traffic in 1967, before pursuing a solo career in America. He was due to perform in Santa Barbara on Tuesday.

"We are sorry to inform you Dave Mason has a serious heart condition detected in a routine appointment that requires immediate attention," tour organisers said on his official website.

"We are expecting a successful recovery from heart surgery in time," they said, adding he was expected to resume touring in 2025.

The star, who set up Traffic in the 1960s, was due to begin his tour on Tuesday in Santa Barbara

The statement also read: "His team of doctors has advised against all tour activity and therefore we have cancelled his Fall tour."

"I'm heartbroken to have to cancel these dates, but it's doctor's orders," the 78-year-old said.

"I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025.”

The cancelled tour dates were mainly in California, while another date was scheduled in Nevada.

The Worcester-born star teamed up with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to form Traffic and appeared on the rock band's first two albums - Mr Fantasy and Traffic - before becoming a solo artist.

The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Mason penned the band's hit Feelin' Alright?, later re-recorded by stars including Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night and the Jackson 5.