Inside Charlie Puth’s Scary Illness on Tour: ‘I Had to Get Shots in My Butt Just to Get on Stage’
"We're in a world of Facebook and Instagram. If you get a 'like,' you get this rush of dopamine to your mind. Social media is important, but we should venture out a little bit and not rely on it for self approval … There is nothing wrong with Instagram, it's a huge reason for my social presence, but it's also important to counter that with nature walks. It's so important to realize your surroundings. If we're going on a hike and you're running around trying to get in shape, smell the air in the nature. You don't have to always look in your phone. That's the main thing." — to PEOPLE in 2017
Just before taking the stage at Z100’s Jingle Ball in New York City on Friday, Charlie Puth tells PEOPLE he is ready for a break.
“Absolutely nothing,” he said, when asked if he had any holiday plans. “I’ve been touring nonstop … I was sick and I had to have like tetanus shots in my butt just to get on stage at one point, I was so sick.”
He clarified, adding, “Not tetanus shots — steroids or something like that. It’s crazy. I’m looking forward to just resting.”
The “We Don’t Talk Anymore” singer, 25, canceled the remainder of his Don’t Talk tour in October, citing an illness.
“This is the last thing I want because I love being on the road performing and meeting every one of you,” he wrote on Twitter.
He continued: “I have been extremely sick pushing through these dates and haven’t been the time my body needs to recover. Resting and taking time off the road is the only way I can get better and start performing for you again. I promise I will do whatever I can to make it up to you.“I love you so much. I’m deeply sorry.”
The tour, supporting 2016’s Nine Track Mind, kicked off in September and was scheduled to run until Nov. 8.
RELATED VIDEO: WATCH: Meghan Trainor And Charlie Puth Make Out At The AMAs
At Friday night’s concert, however, Puth said he was “excited” to perform.
“ Very excited to perform, this is my second year doing this, playing at MSG,” he said. “And this is a huge honor, Z100’s my hometown station so it’s surreal being here.”
As for his pal Meghan Trainor, who recently announced that she is on “strict vocal rest,” Puth says he hasn’t had a chance to speak with her — but knows the demands of the job.
“She’s just taking some time off,” he said. “I mean, they do work us to death, but it’s worth it. But it’s hard getting there.”
And with the year coming to a close, Puth says, “I’d love to put out a new album and just do the music that I love.”
