NEW YORK • Lady Gaga postponed the European leg of her Joanne world tour three days before it was scheduled to start, announcing on Monday in an Instagram post that "trauma and chronic pain" would keep her from performing there until early next year.
Last Thursday, the 31-year-old singer had cancelled an appearance last Friday at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil, saying she was in "severe pain" and in the care of "the very best doctors". She posted pictures of herself in a hospital with a drip on her arm.
She has said she suffers from fibromyalgia, a syndrome of unknown causes that can lead to lasting muscle pain and fatigue.
She said on her social media accounts on Monday she was disappointed at comments from people online that "suggest that I'm being dramatic, making this up or playing the victim to get out of touring. If you knew me, you would know this couldn't be further from the truth".
"I have always been honest about my physical and mental health struggles," she added.
"It is complicated and difficult to explain and we are trying to figure it out. As I get stronger and when I feel ready, I will tell my story in more depth, and plan to take this on strongly so I can not only raise awareness, but also expand research for others who suffer as I do, so I can help make a difference."
The European concerts were scheduled to begin on Thursday in Barcelona and run through Oct 28 in Germany. Fans were told to keep their existing tickets until the dates were rescheduled, according to a statement from concert promoter Live Nation. A second North American leg of the tour, set to start on Nov 5 in Indianapolis, was expected to go on as scheduled, the statement said.
"She plans to spend the next seven weeks proactively working with her doctors to heal from this and past traumas that still affect her daily life, and result in severe physical pain in her body," Live Nation said.
Lady Gaga was hospitalised in 2013 for a hip injury and her struggles with chronic pain are a focus of Gaga: Five Foot Two, a documentary that will be available on Netflix from Friday.
NYTIMES, REUTERS
