Body:
Understanding the Epidemic of Cancelled Shows and Tours
The first part of the pursuit of clarity involves understanding that high-stake careers like those of artists are intrinsically intense, full of pressures both psychological and physical. Indeed, stress, anxiety, and even depression, are not uncommon experiences for many musicians, who often juggle public scrutiny, demanding schedules, and the constant pressure to perform and produce.
The rise in cancellations reveals the growing mental health crisis amongst artists, and a culture of overworking leading to debilitating burnouts. Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, and Adele are a few of the numerous artists who have cancelled shows and tours citing mental and physical health reasons. Artist management companies are increasingly finding it challenging to address the underlying stress that comes with success, and artists are progressively becoming aware that the risks to their health often outweigh the benefits of continuing without intervention.
Another reason artists are canceling shows is due to the toll that constant touring can take on an artist’s vocal health. This intense and monumental manner of singing night after night puts a significant strain on the vocal cords. Singers like Sam Smith and SZA have had to cancel shows and entire tours due to vocal cord issues.
Despite the financial implications of canceled tours, artists these days are prioritizing their well-being over financial gains. This shift towards a more health-conscious entertainment industry has led to some significant cancellations. For instance, when Kanye West canceled his Saint Pablo Tour in 2016, it cost him around $10 million. Yet for West, as with other artists, preserving mental and physical health has proven more crucial than monetary loss.
The #MeToo movement has also played a role in the wide-scale cancellations. Allegations of unlawful or unethical behavior have resulted in several artists canceling shows to avoid public backlash or legal repercussions. This movement has served to hold entertainers accountable for their actions, proving that popularity and artistic talent cannot safeguard against the consequences of untoward behavior.
The advent of COVID-19 resulted in an unparalleled wave of cancellations. The live music industry was one of the hardest hit, and artists of all status levels were forced to cancel tours for the safety of their fans and themselves. Even as restrictions ease, uncertainties surrounding variants and differing global vaccine rates continue to fuel cancellations. From The Weeknd to Taylor Swift, even the most prominent artists were not left untouched by the need to prioritize health over live performances.
Lastly, issues related to venue contracts, technical snafus, or disagreements among band members also contribute to an abrupt halt to scheduled performances. High-profile artists and management have obligations and standards to meet, but discrepancies can inevitably lead to cancellations.
In conclusion, the rise in show and tour cancellations is a complex issue driven by a confluence of the mental and physical toll on artists’ health, global phenomena like the #MeToo movement and COVID-19, and contractual or logistical difficulties. Proactive steps towards prioritizing artists’ holistic wellbeing and the restructuring of the entertainment industry may prove pivotal in addressing this issue while ensuring fans get to enjoy live performances. The more fans and industry insiders comprehend these reasons, the more empathetic and supportive we can be to the artists we admire.
