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Country legend Merle Haggard has been hospitalized in Georgia, per this widely circulated AP report from earlier today.
As a result, his publicist Tresa Redburn confirms that Saturday's gig at Billy Bob's Texas won't be happening: "He has postponed all of his January dates," she tells me. I'm waiting to hear back from Billy Bob's Texas as to whether the venue will attempt to reschedule the show, offer refunds or go ahead and cancel it outright. I'll update when I have more information.
UPDATED: Just in from Redburn: "They are hoping and looking to reschedule in April. The latest news is that Merle will be out of the hospital in a few days." The desire to reschedule jibes with what Billy Bob's Texas marketing director Pam Minick has been hearing, as well. So, if you have tickets for Saturday's show, hold onto 'em. The date may yet be rescheduled. Stay tuned.
UPDATED x2: Just in from Billy Bob's Texas: Singer-songwriter Austin Allsup has been drafted to perform Saturday night, in lieu of Merle Haggard. "People who have tickets for Merle ... will get a refund at the point of purchase, and will get free admission ... on Saturday night," says Pam Minick in a brief note. "No word about Merle's return to Billy Bob's at this time." Allsup will take the stage at 10:30 p.m.; those who did not have tickets to Haggard's now canceled show will have to pay $10 for general admission.
