The 28-year-old Newcastle singer-songwriter made the announcement on Instagram, saying it would be “totally hypocritical” for him to support the debate without looking after his own mental well-being. Apologizing to fans, he said he is canceling upcoming US headline shows, shows with Florence and the Machine and his appearance at the Life is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas. “My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a while now,” he explained. A host of fellow artists were quick to respond with messages of support. Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC said: “Good man”, while Gwyneth Paltrow commented: “This is beautiful. We love you. Take care of yourself.” Fender said: “I’ve been neglecting myself for over a year now and haven’t dealt with things that have affected me deeply. “It’s impossible to do this work on myself while on the road, and it’s exhausting to pretend happiness and well-being for the sake of business. My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a long time and it’s not going to get better if I don’t take the time to do it.” The announcement came shortly after Fender announced a homecoming concert at Newcastle United’s home St James’s Park scheduled for June 9, 2023, in what he said was a “childhood dream come true”. Fender performed on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June. A month earlier, he won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song, for the title track from his Seventeen album Going Under, and is currently shortlisted for the 2022 Mercury Prize. In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In the US, Mental Health America is available on 800-273-8255. In Australia, support is available on Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 and MensLine on 1300 789 978
