Following bandleader and sousaphone player Bennie Pete announcement that serious illness will prevent him for performing, The Hot 8 Brass Band decided to suspend all touring until further notice.

Bass drummer Harry Cook and sousaphonist Bennie Pete. Photo by Elsa Hahne.

Pete has struggled with poor health for the past two years. His situation deteriorated recently, and on the advice of doctors he decided to take a break from all professional activities in order to focus on his health.

“The Hot 8 Brass Band has been my life for 20 years,” Pete said in a statement. “I’ve played to audiences all over the world. I’ve loved and lost band members I thought of as brothers. But as a new father, I have some new perspectives on the life I was leading – and the lives of a lot of New Orleans musicians. We are in danger every day in these violent streets – everybody knows that. But we put ourselves in danger, too, by disrespecting ourselves with unhealthy lifestyles.”

Lee Arnold, who has worked with Pete behind the scenes for nine years, summed up the tough situation the Hot 8 faces: “To most fans – myself included – Bennie Pete is the Hot 8 Brass Band. It is a challenging moment for the Hot 8, but everyone agrees that Bennie’s health is the first priority.”

The Hot 8 will nevertheless carry on with its local performances, including its weekly Sunday evening show at the Howlin’ Wolf, either with Pete or a substitute player.

Meanwhile, any updates regarding Bennie Pete’s health and the status of the Hot 8 Brass Band in the future will be posted on the band’s website.