Hawn Mendes has canceled his world tour, after initially postponing the first few weeks of shows, to prioritize his mental health.
The “When You’re Gone” singer said he will be taking a break from touring because of the “toll he would have to pay to be back on the road”.
Mendes said he will take this time to focus on his mental health and “come back stronger.” He also assured fans that he would still be making music and touring again in the future.
The Canadian singer, known for hits such as Stitches, Treat You Better and Señorita, had played seven of the 87 scheduled shows, but said earlier in July that he would postpone shows in North America for three weeks. Mendes said he has been touring since he was 15 and that “it’s always been hard being out and about without friends and family”, and that he had “reached a breaking point”.
He has previously opened up to fans about his mental healthin which he revealed in April that he was feeling “overwhelmed and overstimulated”.
On July 27, he announced on social media that he would be canceling the tour.
In a statement on Twitter and Instagram, Mendes said: “As you know, I’ve had to postpone shows for the past few weeks because I wasn’t quite prepared for the toll that the weather would take on the road.
“I started this tour excited to finally play live again after a long hiatus due to the pandemic, but the reality is I wasn’t ready at all for how difficult touring would be after this time away.
“After talking more with my team and working with an incredible group of health professionals, it has become clearer that I need to take the time I once took personally to ground myself and come back stronger.”
He went on to say: “Unfortunately I have to cancel the rest of the tour dates in North America and UK/Europe. We were hoping that maybe I could pick up the rest of the dates after some much needed time off, but right now I have to put my health as my number one 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’ve all been waiting so long to see these shows, and it breaks my heart to tell you this, but I promise I’ll be back as soon as I take the proper time to heal.
“I love you all and I want to thank you all so much for supporting and holding me on this journey.”
Mendes would tour the US and Canada from July to the end of October, before heading to Europe in May 2023, including a show at London’s O2 Arena on July 22, 2023.
Fans of Mendes share their messages of support on social media, and while many are disappointed, they wish him well.
Sheila said: “It breaks my heart that Shawn Mendes is struggling so much that he has canceled all of his tour dates. I know this was not an easy decision for him and I can only imagine how much he struggles. I hope he knows that we value his health above all else and that we will be here when he is ready.”
Christine said: “Shawn just canceled the rest of his tour, I’m really devastated but I understand why he did it. Even though I’m sad I won’t see him, mental health comes first. I hope he is well and that he needs some time to heal. Shawn, I love you, I’ll be there when you come back.”
Azara said: “I am so proud of Shawn for putting himself first. As sad as it is that he is canceling his tour, what matters most is his health and well-being. I send you all our love and hugs.”