Giants of Rock, Minehead, 24 January 2020

Procol Harum are very sorry to announce that – in an extremely rare cancellation – they will not be able to play their scheduled ‘Giants of Rock’ gig at Minehead on 24 January (the festival will, of course, go ahead). 

A spokesperson told ‘Beyond the Pale’ that Gary Brooker has received medical instruction that he should not attempt to sing for the rest of the month. 

Fans will remember the ‘Faulty Log’ episode (Finland, 2009) when Gary, having fallen from a woodpile, went on stage with broken ribs: courageously attempting the opening number, he experienced acute pain as he drew breath.

Evidently it’s a similar injury now. Having broken a number of ribs not far from his house, he has – with great reluctance – accepted his consultant’s advice; and apologises unreservedly to all who are inconvenienced and disappointed.

The good news is that everyone expects Gary to be fit and well for his Charity gig at the 02 Arena in March, and of course for Procol’s choral/orchestral showcase at the London Palladium in April. The list of engagements here is expected to grow in coming weeks.