The doctor will see the Dr. now. Seventy-three year old New Orleans piano legend Dr. John was rushed to the hospital on Saturday, August 2, after cancelling a planned appearance in New York.

Photo by Elsa Hahne

News broke on the Dr. John Facebook page shortly after Dr. John cancelled his appearance at the SummerStage festival, and the following message was posted later that night:

“From the Good Doctor: Wuz bitten by a flu bug & doc wouldn’t let me play today. Thanx to all the fans for their love & I’ll be out jammin’ for you all again soon.”

Well wishers immediately sparked an outpouring of support for Dr. John, also known as Mac Rebennack, and social media sites have been ablaze with messages of “Get well soon.”

Dr. John is scheduled to appear in New Orleans on September 20 at the Joy Theater. No word yet on whether any further appearance dates will be cancelled due to this sudden illness.