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’.
Shawn Mendes has cancelled all upcoming tour dates. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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’.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Shawn Mendes has cancelled all upcoming tour dates. Credit: Publicity picture
“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
Audio
Elbow announce three very intimate shows in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Elbow have announced a three-night Manchester residency, and they’ll be playing a much more intimate venue than their usual.
The Bury-formed rock legends have announced a run of ‘very special’ intimate gigs to celebrate 25 years of their debut studio album, Asleep In The Back.
Elbow frontman Guy Garvey has said the band want it to be a ‘time machine night’ for both them and their fans.
Last time Elbow played a hometown gig, it was an enormous outdoor summer show at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester.
And the time before that, they were opening the UK’s largest indoor arena, the Co-op Live (admittedly, they weren’t supposed to open the venue, but its opening got delayed to land on the date of their gig).
So to see them play to a crowd of just 1,500 people is not an occurrence we’re likely to see again for a while.
Elbow have just announced three intimate Manchester gigs, performing at the O2 Ritz this November.
They’ll perform their debut, Asleep In The Back, in its entirety, along with selected B-sides and rarities.
Speaking of the announcement, Guy Garvey said: “It’s fascinating for us to revisit the atmosphere we created, and the Ritz feels like the perfect setting to capture that atmosphere.
“A time machine night for us and for the fans. See you there.”
Elbow will perform at O2 Ritz Manchester on Friday 20, Saturday 21, and Sunday 22 November.
Tickets will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 4 September HERE, with an artist presale from 10am on Wednesday 2 September.
Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast
Daisy Jackson
Andy Burnham’s favourite pub, restaurant, neighbourhood, and Sunday roast have been revealed – and the man’s got taste.
Old footage of now-PM Andy Burnham chatting to content creator Isaac Likes has been doing the rounds again, and while the interview dates back to before Andy left us and headed down to the big smoke, his Manchester recommendations still stand.
From his go-to neighbourhood and favourite pub to where he heads for a Sunday roast, and even the song he likes to play when he gets behind the decks, Burnham gave us a glimpse into his ideal Manchester day.
First up, there’s the Northern Quarter, which Burnham reckons has to be his favourite neighbourhood in the city.
He said: “Got to be the Northern Quarter. It’s the place where it’s all happening.”
When it comes to food, he singled out Firehouse, sitting on the edge of the Northern Quarter, as one of his favourite places to eat. He also gave a shoutout to its sister venue Ramona, where he’s been known to get behind the decks.
Andy said: “On the edge of the Northern Quarter, Firehouse is a place I love to go. Ramona Pizza, I’ve DJ’d there – if the mayor DJs there it’s gotta be alright.”
For a proper pint, Burnham’s choice is a little more traditional, saying his favourite pub is the ‘proper old school’ Peveril of the Peak.
The beautiful tiled pub was recently named the best in the UK, just days before its legendary landlady Nancy passed away.
When Sunday rolls around, Burnham said he has a couple of options up his sleeve. The Wharf in Castlefield gets a mention, as does Edinburgh Castle up in Ancoats.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterThe Edinburgh CastleFirehouseSome of Andy Burnham’s favourite places in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
He said: “We love our gravy, we drink it by the pint in Manchester.”
Of course, no conversation with Burnham about Manchester would be complete without talking music.
Asked to name the best Manchester band of all time, he offered a few contenders – The Smiths, New Order, and, ultimately, The Stone Roses.
“The band I think are quintessentially Manchester is The Stone Roses. That was peak Manchester,” he said.
Daisy Jackson -
28th July 2022 
