The Waifs are postponing their tour after Donna Simpson was airlifted to hospital following a nasty e-scooter crash (Picture: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images)
The Waifs are postponing their tour after Donna Simpson was seriously injured in an e-scooter accident.
The 20th anniversary tour – called Up All Night – has been journeying through Australia since May, and was due to continue in Geelong on November 10.
The folk band have now postponed this show until March 8 after guitarist Donna suffered a horrific e-scooter accident, leaving her with four broken ribs, two collapsed lungs, and heavy bruising.
After she was air-lifted to hospital, Donna is now ‘resting and recovering’ and plans on being back in action in December.
For now though, the vocalist is not well enough to travel, so for some upcoming shows including one at Handpicked Festival in Adelaide this Saturday, crowds will be treated to a special four-piece set from her sister and lead vocalist Vikki Thorn, Josh Cunningham, Ben Franz and Dave Ross Macdonald only.
Taking to the group’s official Facebook page with the news, they wrote: ‘The Waifs Geelong show scheduled for November 10th has been postponed to Friday, March 8th to allow extra healing time for Donna Simpson, who is recovering from an accident after the band’s last show in Broome and has been informed she cannot yet fly.’
Josh Cunningham, Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson once supported Bob Dylan in 2003 (Picture: Martin Philbey/Redferns)
Donna Simpson, Vikki Thorn are the sisters who formed the band back in 1992 (Picture: Martin Philbey/Redferns)
Explaining her injuries, Donna continued: ‘Four broken ribs, two collapsed lungs and a bunch of bruises later, I have realised E Scooters, and I don’t mix.
‘I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Royal Flying Doctors service who got me swiftly and safely to Perth. And all of the staff at Broome Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital for looking after me so well.
‘I am resting and recovering well and will be ready to go in time for Day On The Green in December. I am sorry to miss everyone at Handpicked this weekend, but am confident my little sister, Josh, Dave and Ben will deliver you all a stunning set without me.’
The band are in the middle of their 20th anniversary tour (Picture: Debra L Rothenberg/Getty Images)
The band went on to say they hoped fans would hold onto their tickets for the rescheduled March date, and enjoy what will be the last ever show in the Up All Night tour.
Alternatively, fans can get full refunds with their booking reference number and credit card details, if they contact the Geelong Arts Centre box office before December 4.
Fans and friends rushed to offer their support to the band, as one said: ‘I don’t mix well with E scooters either Donna! You poor thing! You really took a beating. I just broke my arm and bruised myself up. I’m so glad to hear you’re going to be ok!!! Rest up and take the time to get well.’
Another wrote: ‘Hope you recover quick Donna. Rest up xxx.’
Originally formed by Donna and Vikki in 1992, the folk rock band went on to release their award-winning album Up All Night in 2003.
As they rocketed to success, the band supported Bob Dylan on his 2003 Australian and North American tour.