Former Third Day vocalist Mac Powell joined fellow Atlanta group Casting Crowns on stage this week to help out vocally. Crowns' lead singer Mark Hall recently underwent surgery on his vocal chords, which has left him needing to not put so much strain on his voice while he continues to heal.
Earlier this week, Hall posted on his personal Instagram feed a photo of him with Powell, with the caption: "Big thanks to a hero and a friend, @macpowell for standing with me and singing my songs this week as I wait for my voice to heal. Please keep praying for me, friends."
Due to Hall's vocal troubles, the band had to cancel a string of dates in December. A notice on the website for the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA had this to say about the December 4th cancellation:
"PLEASE NOTE: Regrettably, Casting Crowns must cancel their seven West Coast December Christmas concerts because of a significant health matter with lead singer Mark Hall. The December 4 Oakland date is included with the cancelled cities. Mark is temporarily unable to sing due to a vocal health issue. Refunds available at original point of purchase. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are automatically refunded.”
MercuryNews.com reported on the Oakland cancellation specifically last month, and included a special message from Hall regarding his condition:
“I’ve had some struggles with my voice in the last several weeks. I’ve been seeing some doctors and spent some time in Nashville with some of the top doctors in the field. It is nothing that can’t be cured and I can’t recover from, but the only thing I can do right now is rest & be quiet.
I don’t think this could come at a worse time. The band, crew and I, were all so excited about being a part of Christmas with so many families. Families, I know, only have so much time in the Christmas season. You guys chose to spend a night with us and that’s a big deal. The fact that we can’t make that happen hurts my heart, and I’m really sorry. There are so many people that have worked so hard to get the tour to this point, and I feel I’m the reason that it can’t happen. I just want you to know that I’m going to do everything the doctor says, and God is going to take care of me.
Great news! We’re going to be back in most of these cities on tour in the fall of 2019, and we hope very much to see you there. Until then, I’ve got to have a quiet Christmas. I’ll be praying for you guys, and ask that you pray for us. Thank you so much for understanding. Our prayers are with you, and remember we’re all here for Only Jesus!
