Sam Smith 'heartbroken' after concert suddenly cancelled after four songs

Sam shared a statement on social media

Author: Charlotte RoszkoPublished 25th May 2023

Sam Smith has said they are 'heartbroken' after their concert at Manchester's AO Arena was suddenly cancelled on Wednesday (24th May). The 31-year-old 'Unholy' hitmaker had performed four songs before they went off stage for some time.

Fans were left confused after the arena went dark and Sam's performance stopped suddenly. Sam has since taken to their Instagram Story to share a statement, explaining that they had recently recovered from a virus and there was 'something wrong' with their voice.

They wrote: 'Dearest sailors, I don't know what to say honestly. I fought off a virus a few weeks ago and since then we have travelled across Europe and had such incredible shows.

'Today in soundcheck I felt fine and was so excited to give Manchester an amazing show tonight, with a special surprise at the end. During my third song, I noticed something wrong with my voice.

'I prayed it was just my voice waking up for the show but into the fourth song I could feel something was really wrong. I came off stage and have tried everything to get my voice back in gear but it won't.

'I am honestly heartbroken I couldn't finish the show tonight for you all. I love you all. I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry x'. (sic)

Prior to the concert, Sam had revealed that there would be a 'surprise' at the show, leaving fans wondering what this would have been. They penned: 'Manchester we've got a surprise for you this evening. Unholy won't be the last song...'

This comes after a Sam shared a video on their social media teasing their upcoming collaboration with Madonna. Sam and Madonna both posted videos on their social media pages featuring the words 'SxM - Sam and Madonna.' Billboards had also appeared in Manchester city centre with the phrase 'S&M' along with a sailor symbol.

Take a look at the artists going on tours this year:

Becky Hill - Arena tour 2024

Becky Hill has announced nine UK dates for her first arena tour in 2024. They take place in October 2024.

Zayn

Former One Direction star Zayn Malik is embarking on his first solo tour in 2024, playing dates in the UK in November and early December on his 'Stairway To The Sky' tour.

Ms Lauryn Hill & The Fugees - 'The Miseducation Anniversary Tour'

Ms Lauryn Hill & The Fugees have announced a continuation of 'The Miseducation Anniversary Tour', which sees them performing at two dates in the UK in October 2024, in Manchester and London. They will be performing songs from Lauryn's debut solo album, 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill', and The Fugees' final album 'The Score'.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa has announced a one-off gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 17th October, where fans can expect her to perform many of the new songs from her album 'Radical Optimism'. She has also announced two massive Wembley shows and a date in Liverpool, which you can check out further down.

Scooter

'Jumping All Over The World' legends Scooter are heading around the UK and Ireland on their 30th anniversary tour - titled 'Thirty, Rough and Dirty'. Dates take place in October and November.

Jax Jones

Jax Jones has announced several UK tour dates in October and November 2024. The DJ shared the exciting news with a defiant message saying how he wanted to prove show promoters wrong, because they wouldn't book him.

Charli XCX

Charli XCX has announced four extra dates for her 'BRAT' UK tour, with special guest Shygirl. The singer, known for hits such as 'Boom Clap', and 'Speed Drive' from the Barbie movie, will be performing in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow throughout November - December.

Myles Smith

Myles Smith has announced his biggest solo tour due to take place in February 2025. His tour, called the 'We Were Never Strangers' tour, will start on 15th February in Leeds, before finishing in London on 26th February.

Craig David

Craig David will be going on tour in February 2025, with special guest Lemar. The singer has announced a series of dates across the UK, including Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle and many more.

Sabrina Carpenter

'Espresso' icon Sabrina Carpenter will be gracing the UK & Ireland with dates on her 'Short N' Sweet Tour' in March 2025. The tour is in support of her sixth studio album of the same name, and will also see her perform across North America and Europe.

Usher

Usher has announced several tour dates in the UK in March, April and May 2025. Tickets are now on sale for all dates.

Olly Murs

Olly Murs has announced a huge 16 date UK and Ireland tour for April and May 2025. The tour is to celebrate 15 years in music, and he will be joined by special guests Blue.

Dua Lipa

Not only did Dua Lipa delight fans when she announced a new UK date for her 'Radical Optimism' tour - performing at Wembley Stadium in London - but she upped the excitement as she added another date, due to popular demand. She will be performing at the world-famous venue on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June 2025.


She later announced a date in Liverpool on 24th June 2025.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has announced her 'Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour' will be coming to the UK in July 2025. Billie will be performing 12 dates across Glasgow, London and Manchester.

Coldplay

Coldplay announced eight-date UK stadium tour in September 2024. The tour will take place in London and Hull, with two dates at Hull's Craven Park Stadium, and six at London's Wembley Stadium, in August 2025.

Now read:

Sam Smith: Get to know the singer behind 'Unholy'

Sam Smith's biggest collaborations from 'Latch' to 'Unholy'

Everything you need to know about Sam Smith's album 'Gloria'

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.