D’Angelo drops out of festival due to “unforeseen medical delay”
R&B legend D’Angelo has withdrawn from Roots Picnic, an annual Philadelphia festival, due to “a longer-than-expected surgical recovery”.
D’Angelo posted on Instagram to express his “deepest of regrets”, which revealed that “due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery I had earlier this year, I’ve been advised by my team of specialist[s] that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters.”
The post continued, “It is nearly impossible to express how disappointed I am not to be able to play with my brothers the Roots. And even more disappointed not to see all of you.”
He did include some good news for fans: “I’m so thankful to my beautiful fans for continuing to rock with me, and I thank you for your continued support. I’m currently in the lab and I can’t wait to serve up what’s in the pot.”
D’Angelo’s only on-stage appearances since concluding promo work for the album Black Messiah have been at a 2021 Verzuz show at New York’s Apollo Theatre, as well as at that year’s Tribeca Film Festival. He also made a cameo in April 2022 with Questlove and Raphael Saadiq while covering Sly & the Family Stone’s ‘Babies Makin’ Babies’ during the Netflix Is a Joke festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
The musician is something of a recluse, after sinking deep into addiction in his younger years due to life on the road. The addiction almost killed him when he was ejected from his Hummer while intoxicated and high on cocaine. The passing of a close friend J Dilla led the artist towards sobriety.
The lineup for Roots Picnic features Lenny Kravitz, Meek Mill, GloRilla, Miguel, Tems, Kaytranada, Jeezy, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Musiq Soulchild, Backyard Band featuring ‘Forget You’ singer CeeLo Green and Crystal Waters.
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