Orleans bassist and vocalist Lance Hoppen has revealed that the pop-rock hitmakers plan to cease touring after this yr.
Hoppen — who helped discovered the band in 1972 and is the only real remaining member of the basic lineup — shared the information in a Fb put up on Tuesday. You may see the complete put up beneath.
Learn Lance Hoppen’s Assertion on Orleans’ Retirement From Touring
Hoppen’s assertion reads:
Hello. Lance right here with an essential announcement for all Orleans followers.
Final Saturday we performed our first present of 2026, which is the start of yr 54 for Orleans as a dwell band. That is a great long term by any normal. Lately I’ve polled the audiences to ask “what number of have by no means seen an Orleans present?” The fingers go up and I’ve mentioned, “It is a good factor you did not wait any longer!” That was by no means extra true than it’s as we speak.
For quite a lot of causes, I’ve determined that this would be the closing yr for Orleans as a dwell band. It isn’t a call that has been made rapidly nor evenly. It has been a very long time coming and I’ve to confess that I’m conflicted about it. On the one hand, I am certain I’ll miss the gigs, the followers, the enjoyment of taking part in this music with this high quality band. However, the journey has develop into increasingly more troublesome because of excessive climate, the airways, rising prices, my rising age … It is time to flip the web page.
Orleans will play 40+ reveals this yr. You may at all times see the present schedule on the Tour Dates web page of OrleansOnline.internet. We’ll end up on the Rock ‘n’ Romance cruise subsequent March 13-20 … so there may be actually one yr left if you wish to catch Orleans dwell earlier than it is too late.
I want to honor and acknowledge ALL the high quality musicians who’ve been part of this journey, with particular appreciation for John Corridor, Wells Kelly and my brother Larry Hoppen for uplifting an 18 yr previous child into their grownup world. That vote of confidence formed the course of my life without end after.
And, in fact, I’m eternally grateful for all of the followers and pals I’ve made alongside the way in which. With out YOU, none of this is able to have been potential. Thanks, from the underside of my coronary heart.
I hope to see you down the street someplace!
Orleans’ Formation and Historical past
Orleans had been fashioned in 1972 in Woodstock, New York, by John Corridor, Larry Hoppen and Wells Kelly. Hoppen’s youthful brother, Lance Hoppen, joined the identical yr. The band took its identify from the New Orleans-style of music they had been taking part in.
The group scored two consecutive High 10 hits with 1975’s “Dance With Me” (No. 6) and 1976’s “Nonetheless the One” (No. 5). Corridor left the band in 1977, marking the primary of a number of classic-era departures.
Orleans’ closing hit, “Love Takes Time,” was launched in 1979 and peaked at No. 11. The band has launched a number of albums since its ’70s heyday, most not too long ago the 2021 Christmas album New Star Shining.
See who else is hitting the street this yr in our 2026 rock tour information:
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Gallery Credit score: Nick DeRiso
