Sam Fender cancels tour dates to look after his mental health

12 September 2022, 17:35 | Updated: 13 September 2022, 16:43

Sam Fender in 2022 — Sam Fender has shared a statement cancelling tour dates. Picture: Erika Goldring/WireImage/Getty

By Jenny Mensah

The singer-songwriter has released a heartfelt statement explaining his decision to cancel his upcoming dates due to burn out.

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Sam Fender has announced his plan to cancel a number of tour dates to look after his mental health.

The Geordie singer-songwriter has posted a heartfelt statement for his fans where he revealed he's been struggling after an intensive tour schedule and needs to have some time off the road.

Taking to Instagram he shared a post, which began: "It seems completely hypocritical to advocate discussion on mental health and write songs about it if I don't take the time to look after my own mental health. I've neglected myself for over a year now and haven't dealt with things that have deeply affected me. It's impossible to do this work on myself while on the road and it's exhausting feigning happiness and wellness for the sake of business. My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a while and it's not going to get better unless I take the time to do so.

"I am eternally overwhelmed by the love and support of our fans and I hate to let you down, but the state of my wellbeing is starting to affect everything I do, including my performances... I refuse to go out there and not give it my all EVERY time, as you all deserve nothing less."

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A post shared by Sam Fender (@sam_fender)

The Seventeen Going Under singer continued: "As a result, I'm sadly going to have to take some time off the road. We are cancelling our 3 remaining headline shows in the US and pulling out of the shows with Florence and the Machine, as well as Life is Beautiful Festival. I'm also especially sorry to everyone who's been waiting for news on the news on the rescheduled UK record store dates, but the decision has been taken to cancel these shows (hopefully we can work something out for those ticket holders, you'll hear from us soon) so I can come back stronger."

While much of Fender's dates have been cancelled, the North Shields singer has assured fans that his 2022 dates Down Under and in his landmark St James' Park gigs in 2023 are still in his schedule.

He added: "Super excited for Australia in late November and everything to come in 2023 - St James' Park man, fucking unbelievable.

"I can't express how grateful we are to have such an awesome fan base. I've met a fair few of you over the years and those encounters have genuinely restored my faith in humanity, you're all sound as f***."

He concluded: "Me and the boys are burnt out and we need this time.

"Thank you for always sticking by us".

If you've been affected by any of the themes in this article, please reach out to the helplines below:

You can reach CALM online at www.thecalmzone.net or on their helpline from 5pm - midnight at 0800 58 58 58.

Outside of these hours the Samaritans can be reached 24 hours a day on 116 123