D’Angelo had to cancel what would have been his first full live show in nine years because of health issues.
The R&B singer will no longer perform at the upcoming Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1.
“Due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery (I) had earlier this year, (I’ve) been advised by my team of specialists that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters,” D’Angelo wrote in an Instagram post on Friday, May 23.
“It is nearly impossible to express how disappointed [I am] not to be able to play with my Brothers ‘The Roots.’ And even more disappointed to not see all of you,” the 51-year-old wrote.
D’Angelo ended the post by thanking fans for their support, adding that he is “in the lab” and “can’t wait to serve up what’s in the pot.”
Roots Picnic, which shared the Instagram post, wrote that “we’re sending love and keeping him in our thoughts as he continues to heal!”
D’Angelo was announced as a performer at the music festival back in February. The singer’s appearance would have been his first full set in front of a crowd since his performance at Byron Bay Bluesfest in 2016. D’Angelo’s most recent live performance was at the Netflix “Is A Joke Fest” in 2022 where he played one song with Questlove on drums and Raphael Saadiq on guitar.
Other major acts on Roots Picnic’s lineup include Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, GloRilla, Miguel, Tems, Latto and Kaytranada.
The festival takes place at The Mann at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online.