Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on November 29, 2025
Dark Star Orchestra fans awoke today to important news from beloved guitarist and vocalist Rob Eaton, who shared a deeply personal update regarding his health and current status with the band’s Fall Tour. A few days before hitting the road, Eaton was hospitalized with acute cardio peritonitis following severe chest pain — a diagnosis serious enough to require overnight care. In his statement, he describes pushing forward despite medical advice, hoping to meet the band and fans out on tour as planned. But after giving everything he had onstage over the past two weeks, his health finally demanded rest.
Eaton expressed hopeful resolve — with additional recovery time, he believes he can rejoin the tour as early as tomorrow. In the meantime, he offered honest gratitude to his wife, his bandmates, the crew, and the DSO family who have rallied behind him. “At the end of the day,” he wrote, “health is the most important thing.” It’s a reminder musicians sometimes learn the hard way: the body speaks, and when it does, you listen.
For tonight, Dark Star Orchestra will continue forward with an elective performance, honoring show commitments while holding space for their brother to heal. The band shared their full support for Eaton, emphasizing that his wellbeing comes first, now and always. Fans are encouraged to send love, positivity, and patience as he rests, recovers, and prepares to return to the stage — hopefully soon — and resume doing what he does best.
Live music thrives because of community — onstage and off — and DSO’s response reflects the heart of that bond. The music will carry on tonight, but not in replacement of Rob Eaton — in honor of him. All of us at Grateful Web join the extended Dead family in wishing Rob strength, healing, and a swift, steady return.
Peace, health, and love to Rob Eaton — see you back under the lights when the body says it’s time.
