The Humanity Behind Cancelled Performances

Adele cancelled her final concert in London. Her vocal cords happened to be severely damaged. More so, her doctors advised her to not perform. She claimed “I’m so desperate to do them that I’ve even considered miming”.

The announcement came after at the end of a 15 month long tour that included UK, US and Australia.

She apologises “I’ve struggled vocally both nights. I had to push a lot harder than I normally do”. This is a case of someone that might have permanently damaged their vocal cords. No one should have to perform themselves to dumbness.

Adele is one of many performers that have recently cancelled due to health reasons. Willie Nelson cancelled his performances in Arizona for (he is also 84 and still touring!) Merle Haggard checked himself into hospital for double pneumonia. Zayn Malik missed 3 concerts as a result of his crippling anxiety. Lena Dunham could not undertake her Lenny Letter tour because of her endometriosis.

Booking tickets and receiving a cancellation email 3 days before the performance can really kill your enthusiasm. Moreover loosing hard earned money is never fun! Nonetheless, these cancelled performances expose the humanity of these artists. They are constantly pedestalised. They are admired, yes, but that attached to that admiration is sky high expectations. These cancellations are an expose of their day to day struggles. Sometimes they are physically ill. Other times they have an invisible disability like anxiety or depression that is still taboo to talk openly about. Their struggles should not be seen as an excuse or a sign of laziness. Instead, they should be meeting points for empathy and another reason to feel connected.