Lauryn Hill reveals why her US tour dates with the Fugees were canceled just THREE days before first show - as she insists European shows are still on
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Lauryn Hill is clearing up the surprise cancellation of her upcoming concerts in the United States with her band the Fugees.
The 49-year-old singer and rapper delivered the update to Instagram on Wednesday, a day after fans were shocked to see emails in their inboxes announcing that the concerts were canceled and their refunds were on the way.
In her statement, Hill attributed the cancellations to low ticket sales.
However, she alleged that the sluggish sales were not the result of fan disinterest, but were instead the result of 'sensationalism' from media outlets and 'clickbait headlines.'
'With difficulty the decision was made to pull down our upcoming North American tour dates,' she wrote, clarifying that 'The shows in the UK and Europe ARE MOVING FORWARD as planned.'
Lauryn Hill is clearing up the surprise cancellation of her upcoming concerts in the United States with her band the Fugees; pictured May 21 in Los Angeles
In her statement, Hill attributed the cancellations to low ticket sales, which she blamed on 'clickbait headlines' about her past cancellations and tardy show start times; pictured with Fugees members Wyclef Jean (L) and Pras Michel (R) on June 3, 2023, in Philadelphia
Although the Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill singer has developed a reputation over the years for canceling performances and having tardy start times, she attributed a recent spate of cancellations to a medical issue.
'Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows,' she explained. 'Regrettably, some media outlet’s penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour.
'The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal,' she added.
Demand for UK and European shows may have been greater due to scarcity, as Hill reminded her fans that people in those regions 'not only haven’t seen the Miseducation Anniversary performance yet, they also haven’t seen the Fugees perform together in over 25 years!'
Hill emphasized that 'no one' was 'more disappointed about not being able to perform' than her as she praised the experience of performing as a 'profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time.'
'Every show is a piece of my expression and testament to our connection and shared love for music,' she continued.
'Know that I am not only grateful for those who appreciate and support my art, but that I FIGHT and push through all kinds of resistance to put together experiences that mean something for all of us,' Hill wrote. 'I love being able to bring these performances to you!'
After thanking fans for their 'understanding' and reiterating that the UK and European tour would still commence in October, Hill added that she hoped to be 'back in full force' with the Fugees for future North American shows.
Prior to her update, fans were left in the dark about the abrupt cancellation.
She blamed rescheduled shows from 2023 on an injury, but she appeared to claim the coverage of the cancellations scared fans away from buying tickets
She noted that her shows in the UK and Europe, which begin in October, were still scheduled
Hill emphasized that 'no one' was 'more disappointed about not being able to perform' than her and expressed hope that the US dates could be rescheduled for a later date
Prior to her update, fans were left in the dark about the abrupt cancellation; Lauryn pictured in May
On Tuesday, August 6, ticket holders hoping to catch the R&B singer and the iconic hip-hop trio the Fugees received correspondence stating they would be refunded
One person with the handle @PLoJetson wrote on X that being a Lauryn Hill fan is 'disheartening'
On Tuesday, August 6, ticket holders hoping to catch the R&B singer and the iconic hip-hop trio received news of incoming refunds, while the tour dates had been removed from Ticketmaster's website.
Disappointed fans took to social media to express frustration over the lack of information regarding the last-minute change.
One person with the handle @PLoJetson wrote on X, 'IT'S SO DISHEARTENING BEING A FAN OF LAURYN HILL. Last October, an hour before the show in Dallas, it was cancelled with no warning. I tried again this run, even when EVERYONE clowned me [and said] I was foolish for trying. Cancelled AGAIN. I love Lauryn, man. But damn, yo. DO BETTER.'
Per Variety, others posted screenshots of a message from Live Nation that stated plainly: 'Your event has been canceled. A refund will be on its way to your account soon.'
The 18-date North American tour was slated to kick off on Friday in Tampa, Florida.
September dates included stops at the Hollywood Bowl and in New York and New Jersey.
Other dates that were wiped out — initially without reason — included Atlanta, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston and Milwaukee.
Tickets remain on sale for the overseas portion of the tour, starting with a gig in Manchester, England, on October 12.
The tour, which includes London and Paris shows, is set to end in Amsterdam on October 22.
Although Hill stated that those shows are still on, it's unclear if they have reached the necessary threshold for ticket sales, or if they might still be canceled at a later date.
Prior to her explanation for the cancellations, Hill last posted about the tour on June 24.
The 18-date North American tour was slated to kick off on Friday in Tampa, Florida; pictured with Wyclef Jean (L) and Pras Michel (R) in 2005 in Hollywood
It's the third consecutive year that the group cancelled tour dates, leaving fans heartbroken; pictured in September 2023 in New York City's Central Park
She wrote, 'The Celebration Continues… Artist pre-sale begins Wed, 6/26 at 10am local using code MLH. On-sale begins Fri, 6/28 at 10am.'
It's the third consecutive year that the group cancelled tour dates, leaving fans heartbroken.
The reunion tour was first announced in 2021, but was later postponed before being cancelled in January 2022 due to COVID conditions.
Lauryn's last major performance was at the BET Awards in June.
