Bright Eyes has canceled all remaining concert dates for 2024 following a concerning start to their U.S. tour. Fans expressed worries about the mental and physical health of lead singer Conor Oberst, prompting the band to announce on social media that he will receive ongoing medical treatment for “vocal problems.”
In their statement, the band explained, “Over the past week, Conor has undergone multiple tests to determine the cause of his recent vocal problems. It has been revealed that he has developed a condition worsened by excessive singing, requiring both treatment and recovery.”
They expressed hope that with proper care, they would be able to return to touring next year.
The band expressed disappointment over having to cancel shows in major cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, and Las Vegas, as well as several European dates. They reassured fans that all tickets for canceled shows would be refunded at the point of purchase and promised updates on future plans.
Bright Eyes had performed only three shows from September 14-16 before announcing the cancellation of additional dates. Many fans who attended these concerts noted signs of distress in Oberst’s performances and hoped for more than just a few postponed shows.
Reactions on social media were surprisingly positive, with fans expressing relief that Oberst is seeking help, even if it disrupts their travel plans. Some fans speculated about the nature of his “vocal problems,” citing previous instances where he appeared intoxicated during performances. However, others felt that his vocal issues could be a legitimate concern.
At the third show in Philadelphia, reports indicated that Oberst seemed to improve after a difficult performance in Cleveland. During that Cleveland concert, he openly apologized for his struggles and made a troubling comment about wanting to “kill myself,” which alarmed both fans and fellow band members.
Despite the cancellation being seen as a hopeful step toward recovery, it complicates plans to promote Bright Eyes’ new album, Five Dice, All Threes, which received positive reviews upon its release on September 20. Critics praised it as an unpredictable musical journey and a declaration of artistic expression.
The tour is currently set to resume in 2025, starting with a show in Phoenix on January 16. The band has over 40 shows scheduled across North America, concluding on April 26 in Iowa.
This cancellation follows another recent incident in the music world where Jane’s Addiction halted their tour due to lead singer Perry Farrell’s troubling behavior on stage.
The canceled Bright Eyes shows include:
October 11 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
October 12 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether (SOLD OUT)
October 13 – Las Vegas, NV – Best Friends Forever Music Festival
November 10 – Wolverhampton, UK – Wulfrun Hall
November 11 – London, UK – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
November 12 – Nijmegen, Netherlands – Doornroosje
November 13 – Ghent, Belgium – Ha Concerts
November 14 – Cologne, Germany – Carlswerk Victoria
November 15 – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom
November 16 – Weissenhauser Strand, Germany – Rolling Stone Beach
November 18 – Stockholm, Sweden – Fållan
November 19 – Oslo, Norway – Parkteatret
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