Blondie guitarist Chris Stein Won’t Be Touring Due To Cardiac Issue

Blondie guitarist Chris Stein has released a statement announcing that he won’t be able to join the band for this year’s tour due to a cardiac issue. He wrote on his social media post:

“Yes, (murmur of the heart) this is indeed frustrating cause my brain is working great but my body’s not up to the task of touring now. I’m fine though and I’ll see you around regardless.”

Stein also explained on his tweet:

“I’m sad and frustrated to report that I’m not going out with the next bunch of Blondie touring.

“I’ve been dealing with a dumbass condition called Atrial Fibrillation or AFib, which is irregular heartbeats and combined with the meds I take for it I’m too fatigued to deal. I’m still all in recording and other band projects and I should be out for discussions etc later on.”

Stein also added that Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock would be joining the band for the upcoming shows:

“The band will be great and Glen Matlock will be joining them on bass. That’s it, I’m fine, I’m around here and I love you all.”

In a separate post on Instagram, Stein stated:

“I hate to disappoint supporters and the band, but there it is. You might remember I was sitting down during the last tours, that was why.”

Despite the announcement, Stein didn’t reveal who would replace him on guitar. While, Blondie’s drummer, Clem Burke, has been filling in with the Go-Go’s on selected shows, but is expected to be part of Blondie’s tour.

Blondie will be playing a series of shows in the U.K., followed by a summer tour in U.S. that begins on August 12 in Mashantucket, Conn., and runs through August 27 in Chicago. Check out the complete list of the band’s tour dates available on their website.