Dragonaires to play here without Byron Lee
Byron Lee’s band the Dragonaires will play in Guyana on Saturday as scheduled but without the famed bandleader, who is critically ill in a Jamaican hospital, and had been planning to come on this trip.
Mike Fung, promoter of ‘Sparrow meets the Dragonaries’ told the press yesterday that Lee has been ailing for sometime now and had not been touring with his band for well over a month. He said that when the upcoming show set for Thirst Park was conceptualized some three months ago Lee was active and was optimistic about performing.
“I spoke with him only a few days ago and he wanted to be here for this show but his health wouldn’t permit him. He is going to be here in spirit though and the band is already planning to dedicate the performance to him”, Fung said.
Lee, 73, has been fighting transitional cell cancer and was previously being treated in Miami, Florida, before being taken by medivac to Jamaica, a report in the Jamaican Gleaner said on Monday. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago.
According to Fung, people need not worry about the quality of the show since the band is experienced and has been performing excellently without Lee. He conceded that Lee’s role as technical engineer is important to the band, but pointed out that a capable replacement has been in training for several years now.
Fung said further, that band members are already arriving and that The Mighty Sparrow would be in the country by tomorrow. He said that the fans can expect a good show and urged Bryon Lee fans to “support him as he fights to recover”.
He said that Banks DIH and Caribbean Airlines have been extremely supportive of the show and that both companies have since conveyed wishes for Lee’s recovery. Caribbean Airline is offering a gate prize at the show for a trip to any of its destination.
