Via my pals over at Stereogum comes the news that Lily Allen has canceled most of her American tour dates. Here’s an excerpt from her not-edited-by-publicists blog:
I have been on tour with this album for a year now , I have fulfilled every commitment up to this point . I am tired , but more than that I don’t think I have been giving my best performances recently . I have been getting really drunk because i’ve been so nervous about doing bad shows , and I don’t want people spending money on a going to see a show that isnt the best it could be .
Regular readers of this blog can imagine why I’m particularly impressed by this decision on her part. Granted, I hadn’t bought a ticket to her show or anything — so it’s not like I’ve got a personal stake in the matter — but I think (all binge drinking aside) this reflects a great deal of maturity on her part. I saw the prom queen at SXSW and enjoyed her set a great deal — it was the perfect combination of cheeky and apathetic — but I can see where it could easily have taken a tilt towards the unfortunate if she’d been even slightly more tired/drunk/cranky. Also where she and her taffeta could have tumbled right off the stage.
Does it reflect more or less character that she’s taking this selfish, self-preservational step? Did you have tickets and are you annoyed? Are there other acts you can think of who could use similar time off?
I had tickets to one of her shows scheduled for May, but I’d rather she take a break and come back later to put on a GREAT show, then not really be into the performance.
At least she gave a reason for canceling, unlike Fall-Out Boy…
I didn’t have tickets to any of her shows (Although I would’ve died to). But I am a huge fan and a constant reader of her Myspace Blog. I am very proud of her to make an adult choice like this; fans deserve the best. I hope she rests well and comes back around my way, because I’ll be there
better she take selfish measures then end up burning out and shaving all her hair off in front of the papparazzi….
I think her honesty is pretty admirable. As is her commitment to excellence.
I think she shows a great deal of maturity in admitting her fault in this and telling her fans the truth. So many times people play the blame game, but she’s really being honest here instead of selfish. I think that her fans will appreciate that more than if she had cancelled w/out a reason or used some lame excuse instad.
How refreshing to see an artist concerned with her artistry–not to mention mental and physical well-being–rather than making a dollar.
I love her honesty! I didn’t have tickets or anything, but it probably took a lot of courage to say something like that about herself. I’d be pretty scared to cancel shows on millions of people. I can only assume people are pissed.
I will take the opposing view. I think that’s crap! Her whole job is to stand on a stage and sing! If I called my employer and was like this job is stressing me out and causing me to get drunk can I please have a month off, I’d get fired!
Allen has a committed fan base, I’m sure. It’s completely understandable why she might need to take a break — I couldn’t imagine the rigors that come with being a professional musician, constantly outputting, performing, writing, trying to make people happy, etc. I’m a big believer in “charging your batteries” before I go back out and expend energy. This is how artists who don’t pay attention to their wellbeing ruin their lives, so Allen’s just being wise. All the more better for her new album. She’ll be refreshed.
Allen has a committed fan base, I’m sure. It’s completely understandable why she might need to take a break — I couldn’t imagine the rigors that come with being a professional musician, constantly outputting, performing, writing, trying to make people happy, etc. I’m a big believer in “charging your batteries” before I go back out and expend energy. This is how artists who don’t pay attention to their wellbeing ruin their lives, so Allen’s just being wise. All the more better for her new album. She’ll be refreshed.
Allen has a committed fan base, I’m sure. It’s completely understandable why she might need to take a break — I couldn’t imagine the rigors that come with being a professional musician, constantly outputting, performing, writing, trying to make people happy, etc. I’m a big believer in “charging your batteries” before I go back out and expend energy. This is how artists who don’t pay attention to their wellbeing ruin their lives, so Allen’s just being wise. All the more better for her new album. She’ll be refreshed.
I’m actually a bit surprised by this. I just saw her perform in Montreal two weeks ago and thought she did a great job! I did notice, however, that she was sometimes clearing her throat between songs, sometimes in between verses. All the better if she realizes that she’s not doing well, though. But if the show I saw was Lily at her worst, I can’t imagine how she is at her best!
I disagree with you, Elizabeth. Her whole job isn’t to stand on stage and sing, That’s just part of it. So it wouldn’t be like you asking to take a month of your job. It’s be like handing off a certain project or task of your job to someone else.
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She wasn’t coming to my city anyway, if she was, I’d probably be a bit ticked. Now, if only Kate Beckinsale could become tired of making terrible movies we’d be getting somewhere. I hear she’s doing Barbarella now, which pretty much guarantees it’ll blow.