Ms. Lauryn Hill Says Fugees’ U.S. Tour Nixed Over Media ‘Sensationalism’ Following Injury
Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees have pulled the plug on the upcoming leg of their Miseducation Anniversary Tour, which officially started last year.
Hill took to social media to address the cancellation of their shows in the U.S. “Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows,” she wrote (Hill suffered a vocal strain/injury). “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.”
More from Rolling Stone
She added that she and the band are thrilled about their upcoming remaining dates in the U.K. and Europe, given that fans there have not seen them perform live in more than 25 years. “Performing for my fans, is 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 said, reiterating her disappointment in having to nix the U.S. run. “I can assure you that no one is more disappointed about not being able to perform than I am.”
The U.S. tour dates have been removed from Ticketmaster and Live Nation. In addition, many fans have received cancellation and refund notices as of Tuesday night.
On social media, ticket holders posted screenshots of a message they received from Live Nation, which noted, “Your event has been canceled. A refund will be on its way to your account soon.” The cancellation seems to cover all 18 U.S. tour dates, including stops in Philadelphia, Dallas, and Los Angeles, where the band was scheduled to play the Hollywood Bowl on Sept. 17.
Currently, tickets remain on sale for the U.K. and European leg, which kicks off in Manchester, England, on Oct. 12 and ends in Amsterdam on Oct. 22.
“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. I love being able to bring these performances to you!” she added in her social media post on Wednesday. “I appreciate your understanding. We’re looking forward to performing at the shows in the U.K. and Europe in October — and for our fans in North America, when these unforeseen circumstances are resolved, we’ll be back in full force…”
Hill and the Fugees embarked on the Miseducation Anniversary Tour last year to coincide with the actual 25th anniversary of Hill’s landmark 1998 solo album. Prior to the tour, the Fugees reunited at the Roots Picnic in June 2023, marking the first time the trio — Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel — performed together since a 2021 one-off concert in New York City.
Hill’s reunion tour with the Fugees was initially announced in 2021 before it was postponed and finally canceled in January 2022 with Covid concerns cited as the reason. The dates were eventually rescheduled as last year’s tour, although that was ultimately hit with a handful of cancellations after Hill suffered vocal strain. She later took a break from the road altogether, explaining to fans, “In order to prevent any long-term negative effect on my voice and my body, I need to take time off to allow for real vocal recovery so that I can discontinue the medication completely.”
Hill has since returned to the road this year, playing a handful of shows in the Middle East, as well as Jamaica, Europe, Canada, and Las Vegas. In May, she and YG Marley performed on The Tonight Show, and the pair were set to take the stage together at the BET Awards on June 30.
Posting on social med about the cancellations, fans are frustrated by the musicians’ inconsistent touring. One wrote on X, “ITS SO DISHEARTENING BEING A FAN OF LAURYN HILL. Last October, a hour before the show in Dallas, it was cancelled with no warning. I tried again this run even when EVERYONE clowned me saying I was foolish for trying. Cancelled AGAIN. I love Lauryn man. But damn yo. DO BETTER.”
In November, she spoke about her frequent lateness to the stage during a concert in Los Angeles, saying, “You’re saying, ‘She’s late. She’s late a lot.’ Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this … stage every night.
“I don’t do it because they let me do it. I do it because I stand here in the name of God and I do it. God is the one who allows me to do it, who surrounded me with family and community when there was no support,” Hill told the Los Angeles audience, adding that the music itself is a key factor in her relationship with performing live. “When [The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill] sold so many records, no one showed up and said, ‘Hey, would you like to make another one?’ So I went around the world, and I played the same album over and over and over and over again. Because we are survivors, and we’re not just survivors, we’re thrivers.”
This article was updated on Aug. 7 at 8:16 p.m. ET with a statement from Ms. Lauryn Hill regarding the cancellation of her and the Fugees’ U.S. tour dates.
Best of Rolling Stone
Solve the daily Crossword
