• More
Back to PopWatch Main
Complete Archive

Lily Allen is tired of touring

Apr 18, 2007, 12:29 PM | by Whitney Pastorek

Categories: Music

Lilly_l 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?

jnwexc ykdaq Wed, Jun 27, 2007 at 07:01 PM EST

cxrgazem dpuekvacq lekdsznc erfsx ipagfcy vqafluh hesnbqxi

smith Thu, Apr 19, 2007 at 10:20 PM EST

it's about time performers make decisions for themselves and not for record execs or scrilla. good for her

Lila Thu, Apr 19, 2007 at 05:43 PM EST

Smart. Touring is really exhausting for the performer. Just ask OK Go--they've been on the road for more than two years. I'm surprised more members haven't quit.

Heidi Thu, Apr 19, 2007 at 11:29 AM EST

I saw Lily a few weeks ago in Seattle. While I enjoyed the show, she did seem tired and looked rather out of sorts. Plus, her tour schedule was crazy-- Zig-zagging across N. America, in Mexico one day, Seattle the next. Her managers did a bad job planning, and she did the right thing taking control and giving herself a break.

Tomi Thu, Apr 19, 2007 at 12:12 AM EST

That's just unprofessional. It's not the public's fault if you're a mediocre performer.

Sam Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 11:27 PM EST

Well she didn't cancel the Seattle( I am going to that show), so you can still see her here.

lynny Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 09:11 PM EST

Good for her. I really enjoy her music and want her around for awhile. At least she is getting off the merry-go-round before she is thrown off. Hope she will be able to tour in a few yeats though.

Sara Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 07:15 PM EST

I saw Lily in NYC last week (4/11). She admitted her 5 prior shows were done sober, but for NYC she felt the need to get drunk. She sipped on champagne throughout the performence, and I have idea how much (if any) she drank in advance. However, I really didn't think it compromised her performance. It was amazing. So, if this "break" is a cover-up to get well -- go Lily! If you were that kick-a** on Champagne, I can only imagine what you'll be like without it, and with energy and confidence. She is an outstanding addition to today's music. So smart & fun.

Addy Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 06:58 PM EST

alright... i saw her in february and she was amazing. i adore her.
but she knew what she was getting into when she embarked on this career path.
yes she needs more songs to fill out her set and she probably does need a mental health vacation, but it's rude to cancel that many shows.

V.M.L. Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 05:20 PM EST

Honestly, I've never heard any of her songs before.

Marcus Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 03:55 PM EST

I'm sorry...I can't be grown up here. I had tickets to see her at First Ave in Minnesota for late May and now it's cancelled. I don't think she's ever been here before, and I am very very disappointed. I will never be able to see her at 18 dollars again or in such a nice venue. So whatever...she's taking time for her benefit. That's nice. But damn it woman, you ruined my week.

Christie Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 03:32 PM EST

I saw her concert in Toronto a few weeks ago, and found it interesting that she mentioned it was her first sober show in months, that gave us something to think about. It was a great show, but obviously I have nothing to compare it to. Still, she seemed to be wary but also seemed to enjoy it...I'm not surprised by her decision, and I guess since I've already seen her, I'm fine with it! Selfish I know...but hey...she's young.

Ned Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 02:50 PM EST

I'm rather surprised that nobody has pointed out the rather obvious fact that this woman has a drinking problem. "I have been getting really drunk because i've been so nervous about doing bad shows ...." If you drink excessively for a reason like that, you are either an alchoholic or on your way to becoming one. Quitting her tour won't solve this problem ... she needs to get some help.

Ned Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 02:49 PM EST

I'm rather surprised that nobody has pointed out the rather obvious fact that this woman has a drinking problem. "I have been getting really drunk because i've been so nervous about doing bad shows ...." If you drink excessively for a reason like that, you are either an alchoholic or on your way to becoming one. Quitting her tour won't solve this problem ... she needs to get some help.

nathan Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 02:39 PM EST

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.

Mo Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 02:19 PM EST

I think you got a great blog!! Thank you for that. I'm definitely going to add u to my favorite :)
I hope you can visit mine at http://zentertainmentnews.blogspot.com/ - Entertainment News.

NineDaves Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 01:40 PM EST

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.

Dominique L. Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 01:17 PM EST

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!

G Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 01:10 PM EST

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.

Liz Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 01:09 PM EST

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.

Grace Mosqueda Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 01:07 PM EST

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.

Elizabeth Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 01:00 PM EST

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!

Vicky Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 12:50 PM EST

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.

Katy Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 12:37 PM EST

How refreshing to see an artist concerned with her artistry--not to mention mental and physical well-being--rather than making a dollar.

Heather Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 12:29 PM EST

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.

Amanda Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 12:16 PM EST

I think her honesty is pretty admirable. As is her commitment to excellence.

Katie G Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 12:02 PM EST

better she take selfish measures then end up burning out and shaving all her hair off in front of the papparazzi....

brett Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 11:48 AM EST

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

Stephanie Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 11:44 AM EST

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...

advertisement

Add Your Comments

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject — or we may delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field.



  • 1000 characters remaining
    • When you click on the "Post Comment" button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to the Terms of Service. You can also read our Privacy Policy.