Fontaines D.C. have been forced to cancel all their tour dates across South America.
The news comes after frontman Grian Chatten announced that he had sustained a herniated disc, requiring “urgent medical attention.”
Chatten broke the news on March 18 via the band’s Instagram Stories, apologising to fans. “I have been really excited to play these beautiful countries for years and it really hurts to be here in Mexico City and not be able to go onstage,” he wrote. “We are very grateful for all your support and, with all my heart, I am sorry that I can’t play for you.”
For now, the band has not announced any rescheduled dates, making it seem like these cancellations are final. It’s a frustrating blow, especially for fans in South America who’ve been waiting years to see them live.
The timing isn’t great either. Fontaines D.C. only just wrapped up their Japan, Australia, and New Zealand tour earlier this month. Plus, their North American tour is set to kick off in mid-April. There’s no word yet on whether Chatten’s injury will impact those shows, but if he’s dealing with a herniated disc, it could mean more adjustments ahead.
Later in the year, the band is set to return to Europe and the UK for a massive run of outdoor headline gigs. This includes a sold-out show at London’s Finsbury Park on July 5, the biggest of their career. Hopefully, Chatten will be back in shape by then.
Fontaines D.C. have been on a roll lately, with their latest single, It’s Amazing to Be Young, dropping last month. The track was written during the Romance album sessions but was left off to keep the record “concise,” according to bassist Conor Deegan. It’ll be released on vinyl later this year, backed by the B-side Before You I Just Forget.
For now, the focus is on Chatten’s recovery. Herniated discs aren’t something to mess with, so as disappointing as the cancellations are, his health comes first.
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