Martin Zellar Health: Guitarist Stops Gigs Due to Pain
martin Zellar, a Minnesota musician, continues to perform despite battling osteoarthritis. He perseveres thru increasing pain, relying on painkillers and adrenaline to manage his shows. Zellar plans to maintain his summer performances,occasionally leaning on his guitar for support. Upcoming concerts include Parley Lake Vineyard in Waconia, Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis, and Silver Bay. The Gear Daddies are also scheduled for several festival appearances. Reports indicate a potential shift, with Zellar’s son, Wilson, possibly filling in for some shows with the band. For updates on tour dates and lineup changes, fans can visit his website. News Directory 3 provides the latest on music and entertainment. Discover what’s next in Zellar’s performance journey.
Martin Zellar Concerts Continue Despite Osteoarthritis Battle
Updated June 18, 2025
Martin Zellar, the Minnesota musician, is managing performances while grappling with increasing pain from osteoarthritis. He has been dealing with the condition for several years, attempting to persevere through it.
Zellar, who has lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for 20 years, regularly returns to Minnesota for summer performances. Despite the challenges, he plans to maintain his scheduled appearances, sometimes relying on his guitar for support.
Upcoming shows for Martin Zellar & the Hardways include Friday at Parley Lake Vineyard in Waconia, July 13 at the Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis, and Aug. 8 in silver Bay along the North Shore. The Gear Daddies are scheduled to play the riversong Music Festival in Hutchinson on July 12 and Excelsior’s Concerts in the Commons series on July 23.
Zellar expressed concern about altering the established dynamic of the Gear Daddies, formed in 1984 in Austin, Minn., especially regarding Randy Broughten, the band’s lead guitarist who plays pedal steel.
“Between adrenalin and heavy doses of painkillers, I can still technically make it through a show,” zellar said. “I am willing to play through a lot of pain, but my range of motion becomes very limited as the night progresses. I pay a heavy price pain-wise for at least 24 hours afterward.”
To ensure the Gear Daddies can continue performing, Zellar indicated his son, Wilson Zellar, might step in for some shows.
“Take any player out, and it’s not the Gear Daddies,” Zellar said, “but we’ve all agreed that, provided it was Wilson, we’d be cool moving forward with some shows using that configuration. Hopefully, our fans will accept that.”
What’s next
Zellar intends to continue his tour, balancing his commitment to performing with managing his osteoarthritis. Fans are encouraged to check his website for updates and potential lineup changes.