Donald Glover, widely known by his musical alias Childish Gambino, has canceled the rest of his The New World Tour due to health concerns. The Grammy Award-winning artist released a statement on October 4 explaining the difficult decision, citing an “ailment” that requires surgery and extended recovery time.
Health Scare and Canceled Dates
The cancellation comes after Glover performed a show in New Orleans and then sought medical attention in Houston. “After my show in New Orleans, I went to the hospital in Houston to make sure of an ailment that had become apparent,” Glover shared in his statement. “After being assessed, it became clear I would not perform that night, and after more tests, I could not perform the rest of the US tour in the time asked.”
Initially, Glover intended to postpone the remaining North American dates, encouraging fans to hold onto their tickets. However, after doctors confirmed the need for surgery and a substantial recovery period, continuing the tour became impossible. In addition to the canceled U.S. dates, the European leg of the tour, which was set to begin on Halloween, has also been scrapped.
“As of now I have surgery scheduled and need time out to heal,” Glover explained. “My path to recovery is something I need to confront seriously. With that said, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the North American tour and the UK and European dates.”
Refunds and Glover’s Message to Fans
Glover expressed his disappointment, stating that he wants nothing more than to bring the show to his fans. “Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase,” he assured. While no timeline has been given for his return to the stage, Glover thanked his fans for their understanding, saying, “Until then, thanks for love, privacy, and support.”
The New World Tour was initially scheduled to wrap up its North American leg on October 3 before heading to Europe, with stops planned in Norway, France, Belgium, Ireland, and the U.K. Fans who purchased tickets will receive refunds directly from their point of purchase.
Final Album and Tour Background
The tour followed the release of Glover’s final album under the Childish Gambino name, Bando Stone and the New World, which debuted in August at No. 16 on the Billboard 200. The LP includes collaborations with artists such as Jorja Smith, Flo Milli, and Khruangbin, further solidifying Glover’s eclectic style and unique place in the music world.
While fans may have to wait for Glover’s return to the stage, his artistry, both musically and in his other endeavors, continues to make waves. The creator of Atlanta has always pushed boundaries, and though this setback pauses his tour, fans will be eager for his return once he has fully recovered.
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