Lewis Capaldi has cancelled his huge outdoor gig at Wythenshawe Park this summer after announcing he is to take a break from touring for the "foreseeable future". He was set to play to thousands of fans at the sold out event on August 25.
He was also set to be the first artist to ever perform a gig of this scale at the historic Greater Manchester park. Now, that honour will pass to Burnage's own Noel Gallagher who will headline Wythenshawe Park the following night on Saturday, August 26.
Thousands of ticketholders will now be waiting to hear what will happen with ticket refunds for the huge gig. Fans waited in online queues for hours in January to get hold of tickets for the huge outdoor event.
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But in an emotional statement on social media on Tuesday, Lewis broke the news that he is to take a break from live performances for the "foreseeable future". He said it was "the most difficult decision of my life."
Now, promoters for the Wythenshawe Park show have issued an update for ticketholders. A spokesperson told the MEN today: "Refunds will be processed automatically by the ticket agent."
Two-time BRIT Award winner Lewis had been set to bring his unique brand of pop music to the park in August, while it had also been teased that he would "bring a selection of special guests to the stage". Now fans will never know who that might have been.
The Glaswegian singer-songwriter made an emotional announcement to fans on his Instagram page on Tuesday announcing his break from touring "for the foreseeable future". He added that it was important for him now to focus on his mental and physical health which would mean pulling live performances planned until the end of the year.
It came following his appearance at Glastonbury at the weekend when he was visibly struggling on stage. He thanked fans in his message for all of their messages of support since the Glastonbury gig.
In the statement he said: "The fact that this probably won't come as a surprise doesn't make it any easier to write, but I'm very sorry to let you know I'm going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future.
"I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I'd hoped 3 weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I'm still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette's and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.
"I know I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to take some time out when others can't and I'd like to thank my amazing family, friends. team, medical professionals and all of you who've been so supportive every step of the way through the good times and even more so doing this past year when I've needed it more than ever.
"I'm so incredibly sorry to everyone who had planned to come to a show before the end of the year but I need to feel well to perform at the standard you all deserve. Playing for you every night is all I've ever dreamed of so this has been the most difficult decision of my life.
"I'll be back as soon as I possibly can. All my love always, Lewis."
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Shows cancelled include the headlining show at Wythenshawe Park on Friday August 25, as well as planned appearances at the Reading and Leeds Festival also on the bank holiday weekend in August.
Reading and Leeds organisers have told fans: "We’re gutted that Lewis Capaldi won’t be performing at R&L this year, but health comes first and we wish him a speedy recovery." They added: "We’re working hard to book a replacement, stay tuned."
