Jimmy Eat World cancel gigs as frontman undergoes emergency surgery

Jimmy Eat World has made the decision to cancel two festival gigs, after their frontman had emergency surgery for a detached retina.

The rock band had been due to perform in Mexico City on September 13 on their Warped Tour, but prior taking to the stage, frontman Jim Adkins “noticed a shadow cloud creeping in on my vision”.

After doing some research, he knew he “had to seek medical help immediately” and, upon examination, it was discovered that he had “a detached retina and needed surgery ASAP”.

A detached retina means the layer of tissue at the back of the eye has pulled away from its normal position, and needs to be surgically corrected.

In the statement on Instagram, Jim wrote: “Per doctor’s orders, attempting to do the show could have caused permanent damage, so we had to make the tough decision to cancel our performance”.

He underwent surgery, and is now back at home and “starting the recovery process”.

However, the 50-year-old added that the health issue meant that Jimmy Eat World wouldn’t be able to play their scheduled performances at the Louder than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky, and Shaky Knees in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jim added: “We are disappointed to be missing you. Take care of yourselves, listen to your body and we’ll be rocking with you all again soon!”

Comments came flooding in from fans, with one writing: “I think it’s obvious that this detached retina has got to be from years and years of god like rocking. Rest up King!”

Another added: “Health comes first. Recover quickly! Vision is not something we can take for granted.”

While a third commented: “Lost half my vision and the ability to see colour in my left eye and had to wait 4 days for help and the damage and vision loss is permanent.

“Smart move on your part, Jim!! Be well, rest, don't overdo anything, and don't lift anything!! Sending positive vibes and know that you are not alone in dealing with this!!

As someone else wrote: “Take it easy with that! It can affect your vision for life and we need you swinging microphones into the next lifetime.”