Singer John Hiatt cancels all 2023 tour dates after fall in Grundy County causes 'debilitating' fracture

MONTEAGLE, Tenn. — There's bad news and good news for fans of singer-songwriter John Hiatt.

The bad news is a nasty fall this week on a hiking trail at South Cumberland State Park in Grundy County caused 'sustained lacerations, bruising and a debilitating fracture,' which has cancelled all of his tour dates for the rest of the year.

The good news is doctors tell him he's expected to make a full recovery.

Hiatt's staff posted a message on Thursday on his website and social media feeds.

It says

We want to inform everyone that John recently took a bad fall off a hiking trail and sustained lacerations, bruising and a debilitating fracture. Thanks to the amazing efforts of the Grundy County EMS, Rangers of the South Cumberland State Park, and doctors, nurses and staff at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, he is now recovering at home under the care of his personal doctor and is expected to make a full recovery.

Unfortunately, this means John has to cancel all shows scheduled for the remainder of 2023. He feels terrible that he has to cancel. The promoters will be providing information about refunds so please check back with them for those details.

We appreciate your understanding and prayers while John is on the mend. He will see everyone soon.

Hiatt, who's 71, has been writing songs and performing for the past 50 years, getting his start in Nashville in the early 1970s.

He's been nominated for a Grammy award 9 times, and while he may not be a household names, he's been covered by a multitude of artists who are, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, and Rosanne Cash.

He also once recorded a duet with Elvis Costello.

Hiatt has played concerts in Chattanooga several times over the years, most recently in 2022.

Check out a link to his discography here.

Depend on us to keep you posted on Hiatt's condition.