Usher postpones concert just hours before opening night in Atlanta
ATLANTA — Usher has decided to postpone his concert just hours before he was scheduled to perform on Wednesday.
The artist was set to kick off his Past Present Future tour at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, his hometown, but called off the opening show due to experiencing physical discomfort leading up to the performance.
“Throughout my more than 30-year career, I have dedicated myself completely to delivering the best performances possible and creating unforgettable moments for my fans,” Usher stated in a message posted on social media Wednesday. “I intend to do the same for this tour, which is why tonight’s show has to be postponed for my body to rest and recover. You’ll still get a taste of what’s past, what’s current, and a sneak peek into the future at the rescheduled show, but you’ll also receive 100% of my energy.”
“The last thing I wish to do is let down the fans who have been excitedly awaiting this tour. However, I cannot perform to the best of my ability if I’m not physically at my best,” he added.
His next two performances are also lined up in Atlanta at the same venue on Friday and Saturday, though it’s currently uncertain if those shows will go ahead as scheduled.
Will Usher be rescheduling his concert?
Usher mentioned that attendees will soon receive more information about tickets and the new concert date: “My team will be updating everyone on the rescheduled date shortly.”
The 45-year-old artist concluded his message with optimism, stating, “I am eager to celebrate this legacy with you,” signing off simply as “Usher.”
This tour marks a significant conclusion to recent successful years for Usher, who delivered an impressive performance during the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show and released his ninth solo studio album, “Coming Home,” shortly before that. He recently completed a highly praised Las Vegas residency, performing 100 shows.
Usher announced this tour just days after his Super Bowl performance, initially scheduling 24 dates in North America before extending it to a total of 58 shows through November. The tour is also poised to return to Europe in 2025, starting and ending in London from March to May.
Usher’s concert postponement follows a performance at the Essence Festival and the cancellation of the Lovers and Friends Festival
This past summer, Usher took the stage during the Essence Festival of Culture in July, where he sang tracks from his “Confessions” album.
“Participating in the legendary Essence Festival in New Orleans is always a joyous occasion,” he conveyed to the YSL News Network at the time. “This year was particularly special as I celebrated the 20th anniversary of ‘Confessions.’
Just days prior to this performance, Usher received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards, complemented by a musical tribute performed by Keke Palmer, Chloë, Coco Jones, and others.
In May, the organizers of Usher’s Lovers & Friends festival announced the event’s cancellation just hours before its start, calling it an “incredibly heartbreaking decision.”
According to the statement, “Lovers & Friends Festival planners have been monitoring the weather for several days and preparing for a windy Saturday.”
The Las Vegas R&B festival, named after Usher’s 2004 hit with Ludacris and Lil Jon, was scheduled to take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds but was canceled due to a “High Wind Warning” issued by the National Weather Service.