The bassist with legendary Somerset rockers Reef is in hospital with a serious head injury, the band has reported. Jack Bessant, who was a founder member of the rock band, suffered what the band has described as an accident, and remains in hospital.
In a message posted on the band's social media channels, the group said it was saddened to make the announcement. The group said: "We are saddened to announce that our bass player Jack Bessant has suffered a serious head injury due to an accident early this week.
"We will sadly no longer be able to perform this weekend's shows in Plymouth, Bournemouth and Wolverhampton which we will obviously look to reschedule as soon as possible. Tickets for these shows will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused and are hoping that we will still be able to play the rest of the shows on this UK tour as planned.
Read next: Bristol Harbour Festival 2023 announces return this summer including changes to layout and new zones
"Jack remains in hospital at this difficult time and it goes without saying that all our thoughts are with him and his family as we wish him a speedy recovery," they added.
Jack, now famed for his long grey beard, formed Reef with fellow Glastonbury musician Gary Stringer in 1993 after recruiting Barnstaple's Dominic Greensmith and drums and Kenwyn House on guitar. The band began by gigging extensively in the West Country, building up a solid fanbase among the surfing community in Cornwall and in Bristol, before their breakthrough in 1995.
The band split in the early 2000s but reformed in 2010 and has been experiencing a renaissance since around 2016 when they launched a new single and supported Coldplay at Wembley.
The band were due to play in Plymouth tomorrow (Thursday, March 30) and in Bournemouth on Friday, with another date in Wolverhampton on Saturday, followed by gigs in Portsmouth, Northampton and Margate after the Easter break.
Read next:
Massive Attack fight for their future in Bristol against property developers
Notorious property owner fined £10,000 for leaving three key sites in Bristol as eyesores
Heartbreak of owner whose horse was spooked by Bristol balloons
50 beavers living secretly on the Bristol Avon, stunned researchers discover
Sign up for our What's On in Bristol newsletter packed with essential stories to help you make the most of living in the city.
