Luke Bryan Speaks Out After Being Forced to Cancel Multiple Shows Amid Illness

Luke Bryan is offering fans an explanation after he was forced to cancel three shows over the weekend.

Following the cancelation of two shows set to take place earlier in the weekend, the country crooner also missed the Watershed Festival performance, where he was scheduled to headline on Sunday, Aug. 6, due to an illness.

"This is such a frustrating weekend," Bryan began in his social media update. "'Shedders, I am sorry to let you down, but I am not back singing — can hardly even talk still,” he continued the heartfelt explanation.

"This festival is one of the most beautiful places we perform and one of the most fun crowds always," he said, adding, "I know my friends on the show will bring a great time for you! Show them all what you got. Love ya — Luke."

The festival, which takes place in Washington, also announced that Bryan would be removed from the lineup as Lainey Wilson—who recently took the stage at Chicago’s Lollapalooza on Friday— stepped in for him.

And since it was such a last-minute decision, the festival issued refunds for a third of the base price of the festival ticket.

The American Idol judge didn’t just miss the Watershed Festival, as he was also forced to pull out of two performances in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boise, Idaho, on Friday and Saturday, respectively, which were stops on his 2023 Country on Tour show running through October.

While announcing the unfortunate turn of events to fans on Twitter, Bryan admitted he’s been battling a “head cold” that has been lingering.

“Dear Salt Lake fans, for the past couple of weeks I’ve been battling a head cold. I have been spending those days warming up and singing and have been able to perform. Today I have followed the same routine trying to not give up but I am just not getting better. I truly can not give you the show I want to give so I am going to have to postpone tonight’s show at USANA Amphitheatre to August 31, 2023. Thank you so much for understanding. - Luke”

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Thankfully, the comments pouring in all wished Bryan a speedy recovery, with one fan stating, “Everybody has a sick day now and then. Rest and get better, then give them a great show.”

“Luke, do what's necessary for you man. Your fans will understand if you need to prioritize your health and well-being,” another wrote, as a third empathized, “Summer colds hit hard. Haven’t had one in a long time but there’s an extra punch to them…definitely recall that. This too shall pass!

While the Idaho show has been canceled, his Utah stop is being rescheduled for a later date.

Bryan is set to hit the stage again on Thursday, Aug. 10, in Rogers, Ark., and we’re hoping he’ll be feeling better by then!

Next, Luke Bryan Meets His Biggest Fan at Concert—a 7-Year-Old Battling Cancer