Lawson will still perform at SUSU Grad Ball 2014

Union President David Gilani has assured students that Lawson will still perform at the 2014 SUSU Graduation Ball, after some suggested that the band may have pulled out due to ill-health.

Lead vocalist Andy Brown has been suffering from a continuous illness which means that they have had to postpone and cancel appearances which were set to take place in May and June. Earlier this month Brown was taken into hospital due to his illness but he has now returned home.

The singer was previously diagnosed with a brain tumour, with the band being named after the doctor who performed a life-saving procedure on him. It is believed that Brown’s current illness is unrelated to his brain tumour.

Last week the band cancelled a performance in Burnley which was due to take place on 7th June. In an official statement on the band’s website, they said:

“We’re pleased to let you know Andy is now back at home after his recent illness, however doctors are advising that further rest is going to be vital for him to make a full recovery. Sadly this means we are now unable to make the rescheduled date for the UCLAN concert in Burnley on June 7. We’re really sorry for having to cancel but hope you understand – and hope it won’t be too long before Andy is fighting fit again.”

On Monday, it was confirmed that Zane Lowe had also pulled out of the event which will take place on 9th June, due to external contractual reasons. This week, further acts added to the line-up include Duncan and Simon from Blue, Speakeasy and the Monroes dancers, BBC Radio 1’s Danny Howard and a DJ set from The Wanted’s Tom Parker. These acts are in addition to the previously announced performers, The Mariachis, Gorgon City and Lawson.

However, in the updates posted on the priority Grad Ball page on Wednesday and Thursday this week, there has been no mention of Lawson’s appearance at the event, which will take place in less than two weeks time.

Today’s announcement read:

“Right, so the Grad Ball line up is shaping up quite nicely including Blue’s Simon and Duncan, Gorgon City, the Mariachis, the Speakeasy and The Monroes dancers and Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard – but what about if we add another boy band member to the list? Famous for his time making up one fifth of The Wanted, Tom Parker will be performing on the night a DJ set.”

However, when asked whether the band will perform at the event, Union President, David Gilani, said: “Lawson are still confirmed to play the Grad Ball, which they promote on their website – http://www.lawsonofficial.com/live”

Asked about why the Facebook event hasn’t been updated with act announcements, he said “We’ve been posting out new information about acts every day on the priority website (where over 1000 people back in January signed up to hear news about the Grad Ball) and on the main SUSU page, which as of this week has over 18,000 likes!”

He added: “SUSU booked Lawson earlier this year as part of their deal to play the main stage at the Isle of Wight Festival, which is obviously a great opportunity for them to perform, and a great opportunity for SUSU to book an act performing at that level.”

This morning, Brown confirmed on Twitter that the band still intend on performing at Isle of Wight Festival on 13th June. They are also still set to perform at an event in Chesterfield on 8th June.