MERCURY Prize-winning star Michael Kiwanuka has cancelled a string of tour dates after struggling with illness.
The talented singer-songwriter, whose critically-acclaimed fourth album, Small Changes, was released last year, issued a statement on social media.
It read: "We are so sorry to announce that due to continued illness, and on the advice of doctors, Michael will sadly be unable to perform at the rest of his scheduled festival performances throughout the rest of the summer and the shows in North America in October (including the support tour with Mumford & Sons.
"We know this is disappointing news to hear, and nobody is more disappointed and saddened than Michael to no longer be taking to the stage as planned.
"Love and thanks to everyone for their understanding."
Devastated fans shared their concern for married dad-of-two Michael, 38, on a fan forum.
One person wrote: "I hope this isn't serious, cancelling a large chunk of shows can't be an easy decision."
Another said: "Hope he's okay… cancelling weouthere headline slot must have been heartbreaking for him.. sending love."
A third posted: "Sad to hear. I hope he recovers from whatever it is and gets back on stage in the near future."
The soulful crooner arrived on the national stage in 2011 when he won the BBC's coveted 'Sound of' award.
His debut album, Home Again, kept the momentum going and he was nominated for a Brit Award, the Mercury Prize and Mobo Awards to name but a few.
Second album, Love & Hate, topped the charts in the UK, while third record, Kiwanuka, was nominated for a Grammy. It also saw him take home the prestigious Mercury Prize, beating industry heavyweights Charli XCX, Stormzy and Dua Lipa.
In an interview with The Sun last year, he humbly said: "You don't make albums for the awards but, when they come, it's massive."
He continued: "Getting those landmarks, like a Grammy nom or a Mercury win are important. It's a good marker for that connection which every artist wants to do if they're being honest.
"I liken it to being a kid in the playground and no kid in that playground will say, 'I don't want to make any friends.'"
Michael Kiwanuka's cancelled tour dates
All Together Now Co Waterford, IE – 3 Aug
Sziget Festival Budapest, HU – 8 Aug
Bonus Parkorman Istanbul, TK – 10 Aug
Pukkelpop Festival Hasselt, BE – 15 Aug
We Out Here Dorset, UK – 17 Aug
Victorious Festival Portsmouth, UK – 22 Aug
Massey Hall Toronto, CA – 4 Oct
Beacon Theatre New York, US – 6 Oct
United Center Chicago, US – 8 Oct
Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, US – 9 Oct
Fiserv Forum Milwaukee, US – 11 Oct
Nationwide Arena Columbus, US – 12 Oct
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, US – 14 Oct
KeyBank Center Buffalo, US – 16 Oct
Bell Centre Montreal, CA – 17 Oct
PPG Paints Arena Pittsburgh, US – 19 Oct
Little Caesars Arena Detroit, US – 20 Oct
Post a Comment