LeRoi Moore Injured in ATV Accident - Bela Fleck and Flecktones' Jeff Coffin to Join DMB on Tour

Updated 7/18/08: Last night, LeRoi Moore was readmitted back into the UVA hospital due to complications from his ATV accident. Please keep 'Roi and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Updated 7/6/08: It was announced on Jeff Coffin's webpage a couple days ago that LeRoi Moore will be sitting out the remainder of the 2008 Summer tour, and Jeff Coffin will be filling in for the rest of the tour: "Jeff will be on tour until the end of the 2008 touring season with Dave Matthews Band. Jeff is subbing for LeRoi Moore, who was involved in a bad ATV accident, and will be with the band for the remainder of the 2008 touring year."

Updated 7/1/08: LeRoi Moore's condition has been upgraded from "serious" to "fair" according to the DMB website.

Tonight during the show, Dave let the crowd know that he and Carter visited 'Roi this morning, and said that he was banged up, but laughing.

Also, at the start of the encore, Dave got the crowd started on a "we want 'Roi! We want 'Roi!" chant, which will be sent as a video postcard to him in the hospital.

Remember, you can send your wishes to 'Roi through an e-card by following this  website.

Original Article

Dave Matthews Band horn-player LeRoi Moore was injured in an ATV accident today according to a statement just published on the official Dave Matthews Band web page.

Apparently LeRoi was riding on his farm which is located outside Charlottesville, Virginia. He is currently under the care of the University of Virginia Health System where he is in "fair condition."

Beginning tomorrow Bela Fleck and the Flecktones' saxophonist, Jeff Coffin will be sitting in with Dave Matthews Band until LeRoi has made a recovery.

Dave Matthews Band is no stranger to incidents of personal injury, sometimes affecting their tour. In September of 1992 Carter injured his hand resulting in an 'unplugged whammy-jammy' with the late Miguel Valdez sitting in on percussion.

In 1993 when DMB debuted "Any Noise / Anti Noise" (later renamed "Say Goodbye") Stefan Lessard was noticeably absent because he had recently put his hand through a window. In a more light-hearted incident, Dave Matthews broke a rib in 1999 while attempting to catch a grape in his mouth. This did not interrupt touring although Dave was quoted as saying "I busted my ass."

The last illness from LeRoi that interrupted his ability to perform was July 27th, 2003 at the Home Depot Center show in Carson, CA. Details of that incident may be found in the band's statement retained on the DMB Almanac.

The statement from the band says specifically that Jeff Coffin will be sitting in "while LeRoi recovers" although how long this could be is unclear. Ozzy Osbourne suffered serious injuries while riding an ATV in 2003 that resulted in the cancelation of his European tour.

If you would like to send Roi your wishes and get well sentiments you may send them here. Consider sending your thoughts to Roi on a speedy recovery and maybe some of your favorite moments you’ve witnessed live featuring Moore.

As for the horn section, Jeff Coffin was made an official Flecktone member in March of 1997, and has toured around the world playing with countless acts while still returning to add the colorful flavor to the Flecktones.

You may be aware of Jeff’s work with DMB such as his powerful performance on Bartender from 7/25/01, or Jeff’s intricate stylings that lead to an extended climatic reach on #41 from 9/15/00.

Jeff’s style is different from Roi and it will be likely be noticeable on stage in the coming days. Please send your thoughts to Roi and welcome Jeff with open arms and as the tour continues on we hope that the dark that’s been laid down will only fade in lieu of great moments inspired by our friend LeRoi Moore.

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Much of this history of injuries suffered by DMB's members may be found in the ancient WDS Extra piece entitled, "Illness and Injury, The Trials of Touring." Thanks to Craig for the heads-up and Brandon for the additional information on Jeff. Photo of Coffin courtesy Alexandre Janini.