They Are Gutting a Body of Water cancel US tour after cancer diagnosis

Philadelphia’s They Are Gutting a Body of Water (TAGABOW) have canceled their upcoming US tour after frontperson Doug Dulgarian revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer. The band had been set to embark on a cross-country run starting October 29 in Baltimore, but all dates except three December performances—two in Brooklyn and one in Philadelphia—have been scrapped as Dulgarian begins treatment in the coming weeks. Fans and the music community have rallied to support the singer, with a GoFundMe launched to help cover medical and tour-related expenses.

A sudden diagnosis and tour cancellation

The news came as a shock to fans. Dulgarian shared his diagnosis on social media on October 16, the same day TAGABOW released their new compilation album, KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II. The project, a celebration of the band’s musical community, features collaborations with artists like Hotline TNT, SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE, RXK Nephew, Horse Jumper of Love, and Greg Mendez. The timing of the diagnosis and release struck Dulgarian as symbolic, reinforcing his belief in the power of music and connection during difficult times.

In his statement, Dulgarian expressed frustration over canceling the tour but remained optimistic about his prognosis. "The prognosis seems to be pretty good," he wrote, emphasizing his determination to face the challenge head-on. While the band has canceled the majority of their fall dates, they are holding onto hope for three December shows:

• December 9 & 10: Brooklyn, NY (venue not specified)
• December 18: Philadelphia, PA (Union Transfer)

Dulgarian made it clear he is not seeking pity but rather transparency with fans. "I genuinely believe this will work out just fine," he wrote, reflecting on his past resilience. "Life’s so weird, man. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason."

Who is Doug Dulgarian and why does this matter?

For fans of shoegaze, hardcore, and experimental indie rock, Doug Dulgarian is a familiar name. As the founder of They Are Gutting a Body of Water, he has been a driving force in Philadelphia’s underground music scene for years. The band’s sound—dense, emotive, and genre-blurring—has earned them a dedicated following, while Dulgarian’s work as the founder of the indie label Julia’s War has further cemented his influence in the community.

Beyond his musical contributions, Dulgarian is known for his candidness and resilience. In a 2023 Stereogum feature, he spoke openly about the challenges he’s faced in life, framing his experiences as part of a larger journey. His diagnosis has only amplified that perspective, with Dulgarian viewing this moment as another chapter rather than an endpoint. "I love nothing more than making music and seeing my friends," he wrote, "and it breaks my heart to cancel a tour."

How fans can support the band

The cancellation of the tour has left TAGABOW facing significant financial strain, including unreimbursed tour costs and mounting medical bills. To help, the band’s community has launched a GoFundMe campaign to offset these expenses. Fans can also show support by:

• Pre-ordering KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II: The physical release drops on November 20, and proceeds will provide direct support to the band.
• Attending the December shows: If Dulgarian’s health allows, the Brooklyn and Philadelphia performances will go ahead as planned. Tickets for the Philadelphia show at Union Transfer are still available.
• Sharing the news: Raising awareness about the GoFundMe and the band’s situation can help amplify support within the music community.

What’s next for TAGABOW?

While the immediate future is uncertain, Dulgarian’s outlook remains hopeful. He has promised to keep fans updated on his progress, and the band’s December shows offer a glimmer of optimism for those eager to see them perform. For now, the focus is on Dulgarian’s treatment and recovery, with the music community rallying behind one of its own.

As the band wrote in their statement, "We’re gonna keep the Philly & NYC dates on the schedule in hopes I’ll be able to do it." For fans, those words carry both hope and the reminder of why live music matters—bringing people together, even in the hardest of times.