Boom Crash Opera ProfileBoom Crash Opera’s plans for the remainder of the year have changed, as lead vocalist Dale Ryder requires quadruple bypass open-heart surgery.
The band announced the news on social media on Friday (6 October). “Boom Crash Opera regret to announce the cancellation of our remaining live performances for the rest of the year, as Dale Ryder must undergo open-heart surgery (quadruple bypass),” their statement reads.
It continued, “As audiences on the recent Red Hot Summer tour can attest, Dale is an incredibly lively and energetic performer. Behind the scenes, however, he has been experiencing symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
“We are all immensely disappointed that we cannot fulfil these upcoming shows, but Dale’s health is our absolute priority. We want to thank everyone for their understanding, and we look forward to returning to the stage in 2027 with a fire in our bellies.
“Dale appreciates everyone’s concern but has requested people refrain from contacting him directly while he focuses on his recovery and his family.”
Since last month, Boom Crash Opera have been playing shows alongside Australian Crawl, Men At Work, Birds of Tokyo, Vika & Linda, and more on the Red Hot Summer Tour. The shows have been selling out right across the country, and continue into this month.
In addition to the touring festival dates, the band have a couple of headline shows booked, as well as a support slot for Australian Crawl at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt.
Ryder has always been tough on tour. In 2023, Ryder had a conversation with The Screaming Jets’ Dave Gleeson on Triple M, discussing his recovery after a fall that resulted in a broken neck, three fractured ribs, and torn rotator cuffs.
He underwent extensive medical procedures and went on to “walk it off”; he’s just that kind of person. The Music wishes Ryder well with his upcoming open-heart surgery.
Last year, Boom Crash Opera celebrated their 40th anniversary with a massive national tour.
Boom Crash Opera – Dale Ryder, Pete Farnan, Peter “Maz” Maslen and John Favaro – enjoyed a busy 2025, opening for Roxette in March and embarking on a co-headline tour with fellow ‘80s Australian rockers Models.
In December 2023, Boom Crash Opera were cover stars on The Music. “There is only one way to play our music, and that is on 11,” Maz told The Music. “Over the years, we’ve learnt that we have to play the music in a certain way. We have tried pulling it back here and there, but that doesn’t work. We play it as hard as we can, full tilt.”
You can revisit the cover story feature here.
