Lauv has dropped out of the It’s Always Summer Somewhere tour with Khalid, citing mental health issues.
In a statement shared to Instagram on Tuesday (June 2), the singer-songwriter born Ari Staprans Leff wrote, “I’ve been trying to be strong enough to get back out there and share this music with all of you.”
“But I have to be honest with myself and with you: I’m deeply struggling right now, and I need to step away for a little while to take care of my mental health,” he continued. “I am so sorry to my fans, to Khalid, and to everyone affected by this. You all mean everything to me.”
Lauv went on to point out that his mental health issues have “never been a secret,” as he’s “woven” them into many of his songs. “I’ll do everything I can to get healthy, get back into a creative place, and get back to doing what i love best,” he added. “Thank you all for understanding and for sending me loe all these years.”
The Khalid-led trek kicked off in mid-May, featuring Lauv as a special guest. The two musicians — who collaborated on May single “Tied Up” — made it through about half of the planned North American dates before Lauv pulled out.
“I wanna take this moment to give thanks and appreciation to @lauvsongs for joining me on the tour and doing the best he could with the struggles he’s facing,” Khalid wrote on Instagram shortly after Lauv’s announcement, sharing a photo of the two of them posing together. “I wish you an abundance of love, light, and clarity through your dark times.”
“Seeing you perform and do what you’re passionate about every night has been such a pleasure and I know for a fact that when you are healed, you will continue to do even more great things,” the R&B-pop star continued. “Your stories and songs have impacted so many fans and listeners, and we all will continue to be there for you.”
The It’s Always Summer Somewhere tour will continue with a show in Nashville on Wednesday (June 3), followed by stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City, Houston and more U.S. cities. After a short break, Khalid will pick back up with performances in Mexico City, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.
See Lauv’s statement below.
