Fans of Dublin band Aslan have been reassured that lead singer Christy Dignam is “not at death’s door” after suffering a health setback in his cancer battle.
and manager Denise McCormack moved to ease fans’ concerns after the band cancelled their 40th anniversary show at the 3Arena that was due to take place on Saturday.
Speaking to Independent.ie last night, Ms McCormack said: “Christy was doing so well and then, unfortunately, this setback happened yesterday. Doctors advised that with his energy levels etc, doing the gig just wouldn’t be the correct thing to do.
“And we’ve always put his health first so it was tough having to tell them.
“We want to help the lads get their head around things and deal with the fact that this gig isn’t going to happen this weekend – but for the right reasons.”
She attributed Christy’s health issues to him beginning a new treatment recently.
“I know a couple of people have asked me, is he at death’s door? He is not at death’s door. It’s just the fact that he has started this new treatment, you just don’t know what each day is going to bring.
“So just yesterday, it was really to do with his heart. The doctors just said, “He needs to rest up”.
“That’s where we’re at. He’s fine. He’s in good form but he’s just devastated about the gig being cancelled,” she said.
He and his band-mates have been boosted by the huge outpouring of support for him in the wake of the announcement yesterday that they had to postpone the show.
Their manager said that the “loyalty, support and understanding the boys have been shown is just huge”.
“Obviously, as we all know over the years, Christy’s health has been up and down so this is an ongoing thing.
“It’s not a curable illness that he has so it’s all kind of maintenance and different chemo and stuff,” said Ms McCormack.
“But the fans are just amazing, the way they are so behind him and the kindness they have shown them, it does give them a boost.”
She said that people should keep their tickets for this weekend’s show as it will be rescheduled at some point in the future.
Christy’s bandmates recorded a video message for fans in which they said their number one priority was his health and reassured fans that the cancelled gig will go ahead later.
The 3Arena gig was due to be the band’s biggest show of their career to date, celebrating 40 years since they formed in 1982.
Christy was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a rare blood disorder cancer, in 2013 and has been receiving treatment since.
Songs such as This Is and Crazy World saw Aslan become a major force in music.
Despite the group splitting as a result of his drug addiction, they later reformed and are still one of Ireland’s best-loved bands.
