Sam Fender cancels tour to focus on his mental health

Sam Fender has announced that he's cancelling tour dates to focus on his mental health.

The Brit award winner and, let's face it, the best thing to happen to indie rock for years, is cancelling three headline shows and taking a well-deserved break.

"Me and the boys are burnt out and we need this time," Fender explained in an Instagram post today, 12 September.

Ever genuine, the 'Seventeen Going Under' singer said: "It seems completely hypocritical to advocate discussion on mental health and write songs about it if I don't take the time to look after my own mental health."

Fender's been nonstop this year, smashing the UK festival circuit with an unforgettable Pyramid Stage performance at Glastonbury, but it's taken its toll, with the singer saying: "I've neglected myself for over a year now and haven't dealt with things that have deeply affected me. It's impossible to do this work on myself while on the road and it's exhausting feigning happiness and wellness for the sake of business.

"My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a while and it's not going to get better unless I take the time to do so."

We're wishing Fender all the best, and the talented lad was quick to thank his fans for doing the same: "I am eternally overwhelmed by the love and support of our fans and I hate to let you down, but the state of my wellbeing is starting to affect everything I do, including my performances... I refuse to go out there and not give it my all EVERY time, as you all deserve nothing less."

Still, taking some time inevitably means that shows will be cancelled, with the 28-year-old explaining: "As a result, I'm sadly going to have to take some time off the road. We are cancelling our 3 remaining headline shows in the US and pulling out of the shows with Florence and the Machine, as well as Life is Beautiful Festival.

"I'm also especially sorry to everyone who's been waiting for news on the rescheduled UK record store dates, but the decision has been taken to cancel these shows (hopefully we can work something out for those ticket holders, you'll hear from us soon) so I can come back stronger."

However, if you managed to nab tickets to Fender's Australia tour dates, fear not, they're still scheduled to go ahead, with the artist adding: "Super excited for Australia in late November and everything to come in 2023 – St James' Park man, f***ing unbelievable."

"I can't express how grateful we are to have such an awesome fan base. I've met a fair few of you over the years and those encounters have genuinely restored my faith in humanity, you're all sound as f**k."

The Tynesider signed off by saying: "Me and the boys are burnt out and we need this time.

"Thank you for always sticking by us."

If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.