Sam Fender has announced he's taking a break from live shows to look after his mental health, admitting he and his band are feeling 'burnt out,' and friends have been worried about him.
He also thanked fans for their 'awesome' support and told them how excited he is for his massive shows at St James' Park in Newcastle next year.
The Seventeen Going Under singer has had an absolutely amazing 2022, with big wins at the Brits and NME Awards, a blinding set at Glastonbury, the biggest gig of his career to date at London's Finsbury Park and two back to back sell out shows on home turf at Newcastle's Utilita Arena.
But, just as his gigs at St James' Park next year sparked an online frenzy, with tickets selling out in a matter of minutes for both the first concert on June 9 and the second a day later, Sam took to Instagram on Monday with a candid update for fans about how he's been feeling and how he needs some time off.
READ MORE: From open mics to St James' gigs - Sam Fender, he's one's of our own
Posting on his grid North Shields icon Sam wrote: "It seems completely hypocritical of me to advocate discussion on mental health and write songs about it if I don't take the time to look after my own mental health. I've neglected myself for over a year now and haven't dealt with things that have deeply affected me. It is impossible to do this work on myself while on the road and it's exhausting feigning happiness and wellness for the sake of the business."
He added: "My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a while and it's not going to get better unless I take the time to do so."
Sam told his ever growing fanbase that he's been "overwhelmed by the love and support," he's received, saying he didn't want to let them down but the state of his wellbeing is beginning to affect everything he does, including his performances.
Saying he refused to go out on stage and not give everything at each show, Sam confirmed he'd taken the decision to cancel his three upcoming shows in America and pull out of shows with Florence and the Machine and the Life is Beautiful festival.
He also told fans that rescheduled record stores dates in the UK would no longer be going ahead but assured them he was "super excited" to tour Australia in November and for the St James' gigs next summer.
The 28-year-old ended his post: "I can't express how grateful we are to have such an awesome fan base. I've met a fair few of you over the years and those encounters have genuinely restored my faith in humanity, you're all sound as f**k.
"Me and the boys are burnt out and we need this time. Thanks for always sticking by us."
* Sam Fender to play massive gig at Newcastle's St James' Park
