Photo by Hisham Bharoocha

Animal Collective shared that Dave Portner (Avey Tare) and Josh Dibb (Deakin) have contracted COVID-19. As a result, the band has canceled the remainder of their May and June tour dates.

In a statement shared by Animal Collective via their social platforms, they wrote: “Hey everyone. It happened. Covid hit us and hit us hard. It sucks.” They continued, “Both Dave and Josh (each vaccinated and boosted) got very sick and are unable to play shows right now. Continuing to tour at this moment would be harmful to their health and could contribute to longer term difficulties. We will have to cancel the remaining dates of our May-June tour.” 

The band added, “Know that this is not a decision we make lightly; we were looking forward to playing for you in all of these cities, and we are working on making it up to you as soon as possible. We will see you in August.”

Before the cancelation, Animal Collective was expected to spend much of May on the road. The ensemble was scheduled to make coast-to-coast stops across the United States that would see them through till June. In light of recent events, the band’s next appearance will likely be on Aug. 12 at Day In Day Out in Seattle. 

See Animal Collective’s statement below.