It turns out that Childish Gambino won’t be by your side ‘till 3005, as he recently postponed some of his upcoming concerts in his New World Tour, including Portland’s. While the specifics haven’t been disclosed, his online announcements explained the cancellations were due to physical health reasons.
Many LHS students were disappointed upon hearing the news, many had purchased tickets to his Sept. 24 show. However, fans like senior Romy Howell gained more sympathy for him after learning the postponement was health-related.
“Everyone’s a human, you know?” Howell said. “I think it helps spread importance and awareness about taking time for yourself and away from work and making sure that you’re at your 100%.”
This sudden performance cancelation in Portland isn’t limited to Gambino. Several other popular artists, including PinkPantheress and Laufey, have also made this decision due to various mental health reasons.
“I was in disbelief,” said sophomore Lauren Richmond after learning Laufey had canceled her show. “[But] I’m glad she found a way to deal with this sticky situation and found a better way to balance her career.”
Many other artists have been putting their well-being before their performances due to an increase in celebrity mental health transparency. These days, people are encouraged to partake in acts of self-care, and the previously existing stigmatism surrounding the subject has greatly decreased with the aid of social media representation.
In the past, mental health conditions were viewed as abnormal and things to be fixed. From the existence of mental asylums in the early 1900s to the overprescription of medications in the ‘90s, mental illness was always seen as something to suppress. Many people, including celebrities, would attempt to push through their condition, fearing for their careers. Unfortunately, this would often result in their health gravely worsening.
Now, artists are more open about the topic, surrounding the issue with a healthier lens. These recent cancellations in Portland remind us that everyone suffers from physical and mental health issues, and that no one grappling with them is alone.
“I think everybody should prioritize their health, especially over their work,” said Howell. “There’s no exception for artists.”