When Lola Young, the 24‑year‑old British singer‑songwriter, announced she was pulling every upcoming show through 2026, the music world collectively winced. The decision, posted on Instagram at 3:48 pm PDT on September 30, 2025, follows a dramatic onstage collapse at the All Things Go FestivalForest Hills Stadium in New York City’s Forest Hills neighborhood.
What Happened at the Festival?
The collapse came just two nights after Young had played a sold‑out set at Brooklyn Steel (Sept 25) and a raucous gig at Union Transfer in Philadelphia (Sept 26). On Sept 27, she took the stage at the All Things Go Festival – a multi‑day event that usually strings together indie‑pop, hip‑hop and electronic acts across several stages.
Midway through her set, the 24‑year‑old suddenly faltered, swayed, and then lay flat on the stage. Medics rushed in, helped her off, and escorted her to a backstage area. No official medical diagnosis has been released, but Young later referenced “mental health concerns” when she canceled the follow‑up benefit concert in Newark the next day.
The Ripple Effect on the "Messy" Tour
Young had been gearing up for a 17‑date North American headlining run titled the “Messy” tour – a promotion for her second album, I’m Only F— Myself, which dropped in early September. The tour was slated to kick off in Toronto on Nov 1, 2025, and wrap at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Dec 6, 2025. Other stops included a September 28 show in Washington, D.C., a benefit concert for Audacy’s “We Can Survive” initiative in Newark (Sept 29), and a string of European dates slated for 2026.
In her September 30 statement, Young wrote: “I’m going away for a while. It pains me to say I have to cancel everything for the foreseeable future… I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger.” She also promised full refunds for every ticket purchased.
- North American dates: Nov 1 – Dec 6, 2025 (Toronto to Los Angeles)
- UK stop: Oct 9 at O2 Academy Birmingham
- Spain: Oct 10 at The Dome at Grand Central
- Atlanta: Nov 12 at the Tabernacle
- Mexico City: Nov 15 at Corona Capital
Fans who bought tickets for these shows are now waiting for refund confirmations, which the artist’s team says will be processed automatically through the original point of sale.
Reactions from Fans, Industry and Management
Social media erupted after the news broke. #BringLolaBack trended on Twitter for several hours, with fans posting videos of past performances and urging the singer to prioritize her health.
Her manager, Megan Hart, told Rolling Stone in an interview on Oct 2 that the decision was “mutually agreed upon” and that the label is “fully supportive of Lola taking the time she needs.” Hart added that the label will keep Young’s new album in circulation and explore low‑key promotional activities that won’t require touring.
Music‑industry analyst Daniel Ruiz noted that such a cancellation, though rare for a rising star, could actually preserve Young’s long‑term brand. “Fans respect authenticity. If an artist acknowledges vulnerability, it can deepen loyalty,” he said.
On the mental‑health front, Dr. Sofia Patel, a clinical psychologist who works with performers, commented: “The pressure to constantly deliver can exacerbate underlying anxiety or depression. A break isn’t a setback; it’s a preventive measure.”
What This Means for Young’s Career
Young burst onto the scene in 2021 with her debut single “Messy,” a track that blended pop hooks with R&B‑flavored vocal runs. Her first album, Messy, earned a nomination at the 2022 Brit Awards, and she quickly built a reputation for electrifying live shows.
The sophomore effort, I’m Only F— Myself, is more confessional, tackling topics from self‑image to industry burnout. Critics praised its lyrical honesty but also noted the emotional weight carried by the songs – a possible factor in the recent onstage incident.
From a business perspective, the cancellation removes a projected $3.2 million gross from ticket sales, according to Pollstar estimates. However, streaming numbers for the new album have remained strong, with 12 million streams worldwide in the first two weeks.
Looking ahead, the artist’s record label, Mosaic Records, said it is “exploring alternative ways to connect with audiences.” Potential options include intimate acoustic livestreams, a documentary on the making of the album, or a future “well‑being” tour once Young feels ready.
Looking Ahead: Possible Return Timeline
There’s no set date for Young’s comeback. In the same Instagram post, she wrote: “I don’t know exactly when I’ll be back, but I promise to return stronger.” Industry insiders speculate a tentative window of six to twelve months, allowing time for therapy, vocal rest, and perhaps a collaborative songwriting retreat.
If she does return, the expectation will be for a more low‑key rollout – perhaps a series of house concerts in London, her native city, before scaling up again. This approach mirrors recent comebacks by artists like Mitski and Halsey, who both used limited‑capacity shows to rebuild confidence.
In any case, the cancellation underscores a growing conversation in the music world about artist welfare. As more performers speak up about mental‑health struggles, fans and labels alike may need to rethink the traditional touring grind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lola Young’s cancellation affect ticket holders?
All tickets purchased for the canceled North American, UK and European dates will be fully refunded. Refunds will be processed automatically through the original vendor, and buyers should see the credit appear within 5‑7 business days.
What were the medical reasons behind the onstage collapse?
Young has not disclosed specific medical details, but she cited “mental health concerns” in her statement. Experts suggest that the intense touring schedule combined with the emotional weight of her new album could have triggered anxiety or exhaustion.
Will the new album still be promoted?
Mosaic Records plans to keep promoting I’m Only F— Myself through digital channels, playlist placements and limited‑edition merch drops. The label may also explore virtual performances that don’t require a tour.
What does this mean for the broader conversation about artist mental health?
Young’s public decision adds weight to a growing movement where artists prioritize well‑being over relentless touring. Industry groups are now urging venues and managers to build more flexible schedules and provide on‑site mental‑health resources.
When might fans expect a future tour?
While no date is set, insiders estimate a six‑to‑twelve‑month recovery period. When she returns, it’s likely to be a scaled‑down series of intimate shows, possibly beginning in London, before expanding again.