Southside Johnny is retiring from touring after 50 years to deal with “ongoing health issues.”

New Jersey rocker Southside Johnny Lyon, known as the “grandfather of the New Jersey sound,” is retiring after 50 years of touring to address “ongoing health issues.”

“After a highly successful 50-year run with his band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, touring continuously throughout the United States and overseas, ‘Southside Johnny’ Lyon has made the decision to retire from touring due to ongoing health concerns. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes made the announcement in a joint statement on Friday.

As part of his announcement, the artists have canceled his upcoming performance at the Count Basie Center in Red Bank, New Jersey, which was scheduled for New Year’s Eve. Those who purchased tickets will receive a refund, newjersey.com reports.

As a tribute to the musician, the Basie Center thanked him for his contributions and influence over the years.

“Johnny Lyon and the Asbury Jukes are an integral part of the history of the Basie Center and the history of music here on the Jersey Shore,” the message reads via Facebook. Basie Center Facebook page. “Although we are sad we won’t see them on New Year’s Eve, everyone at the Count Basie Center is forever grateful for the hundreds of moments he and his bandmates created on our stages. We love you, Johnny!”

At this time, there are no confirmed details about Johnny’s specific health issues, however, Johnny left the band on December 14th in the middle of their performance at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. The band continued their performance, but 76-year-old Johnny did not return.

Additionally, Lyon had to leave the stage during several of the band’s February concerts at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, app.com reports. During one of his shows, he had to be taken to the hospital mid-show and ended up postponing two more of his shows that were scheduled in New York.

Southside Johnny has had a spot on the Billboard 200 top albums list with two Billboard Hot 100 singles and four albums.

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