Today, Lauryn Hill and the Fugees canceled the North American part of their reunion tour, which was scheduled to begin Friday in Tampa, FL.
Ticketmaster has canceled all dates, but Live Nation has promised refunds. Lauryn Hill addressed the incident on Instagram when social media suggested her past tardiness was to blame.
“With difficulty the decision was made to pull down our upcoming North American tour dates,” it says. The UK and European concerts are going ahead. Last year, an injury forced me to reschedule certain events. However, certain media outlets’ sensationalism and clickbait headlines may have hurt North American tour ticket sales. This negative image seems to have overridden my trust in my objectives and commitment to my art, she says.
READ MORE: Lauryn Hill And The Fugees Will Resume The Miseducation Anniversary Tour
Which ‘unfortunate portrayal’ is she referring to? Perhaps her comments will clarify. In November 2023, the Atlanta Black Star headlined, “Fans Are Surprised Lauryn Hill Only Showed Up Two Hours Late for New Jersey Concert—Some Say It’s Growth,” prompting the singer to speak out onstage.
At a November 4 event at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Lauryn Hill commented, “They say, ‘she’s late a lot.’” You’re lucky I perform every night. I don’t because they allow it. Because I stand here in God’s name.” She informed the crowd she was “hoping to have enough voice to get through” the show because she could “barely talk, let alone sing or rap.”
Her Instagram post adds, “UK and European audiences haven’t seen the Miseducation Anniversary performance or the Fugees in over 25 years! Performances for my fans are always an emotional exchange that delights me. Every show is my reflection of our connection and passion of music. I promise no one is more sad about not performing than me.”
Fans of the Fugees and Lauryn Hill had differing opinions on the tour cancellation. This is generous. One reddit remark said, “People usually don’t find out they’re not seeing Lauryn Hill until they’re there.”
READ MORE: Megan Thee Stallion And Ms. Lauryn Hill Announce Headliners Foe 2023 Essence Fest
“I saw Lauryn Hill for 20 whole minutes one time,” another commenter says. I saw her play before A$AP Rocky at Camp Flog Gnaw. I’m not her biggest fan, but I respect her and decided to get a good place and honor a legend.
I knew she was always late to shows, and this one was no exception. I don’t believe she has time to play the complete Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, so she should stop pushing it.
I’ve seen her twice, and the experiences were quite different. When she was late, the show sucked; when she was on time, it was 10/10.”
With such remarks, low ticket sales may not be surprising. Since ticket sales are declining, most Fugees fans presumably concluded it wasn’t worth the money to flip a coin to witness the event.
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