Sam Fender Cancels Final Tour Dates Due to Haemorrhaged Vocal Cord

Sam Fender, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for hits like Seventeen Going Under and Hypersonic Missiles, has announced the heartbreaking cancellation of the final two dates of his People Watching tour. The news broke on social media, sending shockwaves through his dedicated fanbase.

The 30-year-old musician revealed that he has haemorrhaged his right vocal cord, a devastating blow that has forced him to postpone his Glasgow and Newcastle shows. The Glasgow concert, scheduled for December 17th at the OVO Hydro, was cancelled just hours before he was due to take the stage. The Newcastle show, a homecoming performance at the Utilita Arena on December 20th, has also been postponed. He’d been suffering from the flu, but a checkup revealed the extent of the damage.

A Devastating Diagnosis

In a statement shared on social media, Fender expressed his profound disappointment. He wrote: "Glasgow and Newcastle, as most of you know I've had the flu for a few days now. Regardless of how compromised my voice was I did everything I could to get it in working order last night to put on the best show possible. Today I've had an ENT scope/ camera down my throat and sadly I've haemorrhaged my right vocal cord. I'm absolutely heartbroken." He emphasized that this tour has been his best yet, making the cancellation even more painful.

Doctor's Orders

Fender's decision wasn't taken lightly. Two separate ENT doctors advised him that performing would risk irreversible damage to his voice, leaving him no choice but to prioritize his vocal health. He explained: "I’ve had two separate ENT doctors say if I perform tonight I’m risking lasting damage to my voice and I have been advised to be on vocal rest and not use my voice for a prolonged length of time until it heals." The singer described his dedication to his craft, highlighting that he'd even “been living like a monk” during the tour to ensure optimal vocal health. Despite these efforts, the unexpected haemorrhage has brought everything to a sudden halt. This underscores the high-stakes nature of a career that demands peak vocal performance, and the difficult choices artists face.

Fan Reaction and Rescheduling Efforts

The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom expressed their disappointment but wished him a speedy recovery. Fender reassured his followers that he's working hard to reschedule the cancelled shows and will provide updates soon: "I'm so, so sorry to all of you who are on your way tonight. We're trying to figure out a way to reschedule for you all, more news soon." The sheer scale of his fanbase underlines the event's impact, highlighting the popularity of the artist and creating demand for rescheduled performances.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Future Performances

The impact of this vocal cord injury on Fender's upcoming performances remains uncertain. While the postponed dates will be rescheduled, the required prolonged vocal rest raises concerns about any other upcoming shows. He is set to release his third studio album, People Watching, on February 21st, followed by a European tour. The situation will likely necessitate careful management of his vocal health to prevent further damage. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on musicians and the importance of prioritizing well-being. The dedication and resilience he has displayed throughout this ordeal are inspiring, and his fans await his return to the stage with bated breath. The music world collectively wishes Sam a swift and complete recovery.

The news was met with widespread disappointment amongst Fender's fanbase, but many expressed their understanding and support, emphasizing the importance of his health.