Pop star Shawn Mendes cancels all upcoming gigs, saying busy tour schedule pushed him to ‘breaking point’
Shawn Mendes has cancelled all upcoming tour dates. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Shawn Mendes has cancelled the remaining dates on his world tour, writing in a moving statement that he was ‘not at all ready for how difficult touring would be’.
The Canadian pop star is stepping back from his packed tour schedule on the advice of his team and health professionals.
All upcoming dates, including his show at the AO Arena in Manchester which was due to take place on 26 July 2023, have been cancelled.
He had previously postponed a run of shows, saying that he had ‘hit breaking point’ and needed to ‘take time to heal and take care of myself and my mental health’.
The Treat You Better singer wrote that he has been touring since the age of 15 and has ‘never taken the time personally to ground myself’.
Shawn said that he was heartbroken to pull out of his tour dates across North America and Europe but assured fans that it didn’t mean he wouldn’t be making new music.
Shawn’s full moving statement said: “As you guys know, I had to postpone the past few weeks of shows since I wasn’t totally prepared for the toll that being back on the road would take on me. I started this tour excited to finally get back to playing live after a long break due to the pandemic, but the reality is I was not at all ready for how difficult touring would be after this time away.
“After speaking more with my team and working with an incredible group of health professionals, it has become more clear that I need to take the time I’ve never taken personally, to ground myself and come back stronger. I unfortunately have to cancel the rest of the tour dates in North America, and the UK / Europe.
“We were hopeful that I might be able to pick up with the rest of the dates after some much needed time off, but at this time I have to put my health as my first priority.
“This doesn’t mean I won’t be making new music, and I can’t wait to see you on tour in the future. I know you all have been waiting so long to see these shows, and it breaks my heart to tell you this but I promise I will be back as soon as I’ve taken the right time to heal. I love you all and thank you all so much for supporting me and sticking by me on this journey.”
He had previously written, when postponing other shows: “This breaks my heart to have to say this, but unfortunately I’m going to have to postpone the next three weeks of shows through Uncasville, CT until further notice. I’ve been touring since I was 15 and to be honest it’s always been difficult to be on the road away from friends and family.
“After a few years off the road, I felt like I was ready to dive back in, but that decision was premature and unfortunately the toll of the road and the pressure has caught up to me and Ive hit a breaking point.
“After speaking with my team and health professionals, I need to take some time to heal and take care of myself and my mental health, first and foremost. As soon as there are more updates I promise I will let you know love you guys.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons