Bill Kreutzmann took to Instagram to share with fans that he will not be performing with Dead & Company during Playing In The Sand, their two-weekend festival down in Cancun, Mexico on Jan. 7-10 and Jan. 13-16. The drummer stated he decided to sit out the shows after a doctor’s note advised him to rest his recovering heart following his health issues in the fall.

Kreutzmann kept things light, writing, “After a lifetime of playing special beats, it’s almost no wonder that my heart came up with its own idea of rhythm.” He also expressed his sorrow in not being able to play but gave fans hope saying that after January he expects to be back in full force.

Read Kreutzmann’s full statement below:

Playing in the Sand has become my favorite tour stop in recent years and there’s so much about it that’s just so great. And thus, it is with a heavy and still recovering heart that I have to relay a note that I received from my doctor this morning, ordering me to sit this one out.

As many of you know, I had some health issues this past fall. After a lifetime of playing special beats, it’s almost no wonder that my heart came up with its own idea of rhythm. All jokes aside, my doctor has ordered me to take it easy (and stay safe) through the end of January so that I can continue to drum and play for you for many tours to come. I have a lot of music left in me and there’s no stopping me from playing it.

I’ve never been one to obey orders or play by the rules, but in the interest of longevity, I hope you’ll understand.

I wish my brothers in the band the best these next two weeks and I look forward to meeting back up with them — and with you — before you know it. Please stay safe out there so that we can do it all again. And again.

NFA,
Billy