Sam Fender has been forced to cancel several upcoming European festival shows after being diagnosed with a haemorrhage on one of his vocal cords. The 31-year-old singer had recently performed in front of around 150,000 fans during three sold-out concerts at St James' Park in Newcastle.
In an Instagram story update, Fender explained that an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist discovered swollen vocal cords earlier in the week. After some rest, he was initially cleared to perform, but during a set at Silverstone, he noticed it was increasingly difficult to sing and that he had to strain his voice more than usual — a worrying sign.
Following a follow-up examination, Fender was informed that he had suffered a vocal cord haemorrhage. Medical advice now requires him to avoid singing entirely for two weeks to prevent lasting damage. Due to this, he has reluctantly canceled his appearances at Rock Werchter, Down the Rabbit Hole, NOS Alive, and Montreux Jazz Festivals.
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Addressing his fans, Fender said, “I’m so sorry to everyone looking forward to these shows. Our fans mean everything to us, and it breaks my heart to let people down or be unable to sing—the one thing I’m truly passionate about—for weeks at a time.”
This marks the latest setback in Fender’s ongoing battle with vocal cord injuries, which have led to cancellations and adjustments in his 2024 tour schedule. Despite these challenges, he has captivated audiences on his stadium tour promoting his third album, People Watching, including memorable performances at London Stadium and his hometown’s St James' Park, home to Newcastle United Football Club.