Usher and his fans in Atlanta may not be “good good” after the disappointment he dished out on Wednesday.
Writing in a post to both his official X/Twitter and Instagram, the beloved R&B crooner shockingly revealed that he would have to cancel the opening night performance of his “Past, Present, Future” tour to give his body “a second to rest and heal.” This announcement comes just months after he performed at this year’s ESSENCEFest as a headliner, this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, released his ninth studio album “Coming Home” and finished a six-month, out-of-this-world Las Vegas residency tour which started back in July 2022.
“For my 30-plus year career, 100% of my blood, sweat and tears has gone into putting on the best performance and creating a memorable experience for my fans. I have every intention of doing that for this tour as well which is why I have to postpone tonight’s show and reschedule it for a later date to give my body a second to rest and heal,” he said in an official announcement.
He continued:
“You’re still going to get a bit of the past, some of the present, and a unique look into the future on the rescheduled date but you’ll also be getting 100% of me. The last thing I want to ever do is disappoint you, the fans who have been eagerly waiting for this tour to start. However, I wouldn’t be the entertainer that I am if I can’t physically give you my best. My team will be sharing news of the rescheduled date soon. I can’t wait to celebrate this legacy with you.”
Naturally, as the news began to circulate online, many fans expressed their anger, disappointment and overall shock at not being able to experience their favorite singer:
“Now @Usher. I flew my mom to ATL for an early birthday gift for your opening night concert tonight. We booked this months ago, fought through @Ticketmaster to secure tickets—which weren’t cheap—and now you’ve postponed your opening night show. I have no words. Very disappointed,” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
The same user later wrote in followup tweet: “Canceling a concert in this economy is so inconsiderate. its always about communication. people booked flights, purchased tickets, hotels, etc. all I wish Usher would have done was communicate this last night or yesterday. he didn’t wake up today and realized he needed rest.”
“Usher cancelling hours before the door opens is crazy. If you are sick you should’ve said something when you woke up. The next two days better be canceled as well,” said another.
“Haven’t even had my coffee yet and Usher has cancelled a show, Trump is lying about a lisp, Star Wars fans are pissed, Monkeypox is on the rise and we still haven’t gotten an explanation about Terrence Howard and that wig,” joked a user.
“Getting a notification that the usher concert ive been looking forward to for six months has been postponed six hours before the doors are supposed to open was not on today’s bingo card,” said another user. “I’m so sad.”
However, some users were a bit more understanding:
“I literally remember thinking, how is Usher going to make it through this long tour with the way he’s been putting in work. Cancelling the first show is telling. You know how exhausted/sick you have to be to cancel the FIRST show?? Whew I’m praying for him,” said a user.
“Usher should’ve taken a year off. Going on tour a few months after a long residency in Vegas is a lot,” wrote another.
“Usher has been working non-stop for the past three years. Canceling tonight’s show was necessary. The body and mind needs rest,” another said.
Regardless if folks are (rightfully) upset or not, it’s an undeniable fact that Usher has been putting a lot on himself and his body over the last year alone, so him taking a break — albeit, at the worst possible time — is probably completely necessary.