Legendary rocker Dave Mason, aged 79, who officially announced his retirement from touring in September, is keeping busy off-stage. Mason closed the curtain on 60 remarkable years of rock n’ roll, but the beloved rock ‘n’ roll icon is revisiting his archives and he’s releasing music.
“I’ve been revisiting a lot of music from over the years and enjoying the hell out of hearing so many great versions of songs I’ve played live for decades,” Mason said. “I’m selecting several to load into our online music store. I hope you love them and that it brings you happiness, and even good memories… maybe you were even at the show where it was recorded.
“With Valentine’s Day around the corner I am inspired to load the first of my archives with ‘Every Woman,'” he said. “This was a version from 2024 when I played down the street at the Nashville Social Club in Carson City. I’d asked some friends to join me. You’ll hear John McFee & John Cowan of The Doobies, Rob Arthur who toured with Peter Frampton, and from my band, we had Marty Fera and Johnne Sambataro. John McFee brilliantly mixed it for us.”
Mason cited ongoing health challenges as the reason behind the difficult decision to stop touring.
“For those who have attended a Dave Mason concert, you know the standard of excellence he demanded of himself and his band,” the news on the website revealed. “One of Mason’s proudest achievements was keeping his performances entirely live and authentic—no backing loops, no overdubbed vocals, none of the ‘smoke and mirrors’ often used to dilute the truth of a performance. Onstage, he was the real deal. Offstage, he embodied the consummate road dog, fully devoted to the work and the life he loved.
“Dave Mason’s career spans an incredible six decades, first rising to fame as the co-founder of the groundbreaking band Traffic. His successful solo career followed, producing classics like ‘Feelin’ Alright,’ ‘Only You Know and I Know,’ ‘Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave,’ ‘We Just Disagree,’ ‘Let It Flow,’ and ‘Every Woman.’
‘
“Often described as an ‘everywhere man,’ Mason lent his talent to some of the most iconic songs of our time, collaborating with Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Graham Nash, Cass Elliot, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie, Spencer Davis Group, Eric Clapton, among others. His imprint on rock music is undeniable and monumental.
‘True to his artistic spirit, Mason will spend his retirement years pursuing creative projects, including an upcoming children’s book and in his studio culling over unreleased tracks from his 60-year career of live performances,” the announcement reads. “He retires from touring a happy man with a heart full of gratitude to his band members, business colleagues, and especially his legions of fans who made his life one of deep satisfaction and fulfillment. The immensity of his joy remains solid as he steps back from the stage.
“Dave Mason’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of rock n’ roll and to a man who has followed his passion with authenticity and joy for more than six decades. His music will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.”
