KEM Tour: El DeBarge Off, Musiq Soulchild On

Looks as if the past has caught up to El DeBarge. The soul singer has exited the KEM tour and voluntarily checked himself into rehab.

An announcement from Geffen Records says the artist chose to enter a rehabilitation center to “deal with issues stemming from many years of substance abuse” and has postponed all personal appearances.

“I hate to disappoint my fans but it is necessary for me to take the time to work on me so that I may continue to share my music and my story with everyone,” DeBarge said in the statement released Feb. 14. “I thank everyone in advance for their prayers and well wishes and hope that you will respect my privacy during this time.”

Photo: Scott Legato / RockStarProPhotography.com

Fox Theatre, Detroit, Mich.

DeBarge entering rehab changes the lineup of artists appearing on KEM’s current tour. Citing promoter AEG Live, the Birmingham News reports Musiq Soulchild will perform in DeBarge’s slot, joining a lineup that also includes Ledisi. The tour’s next gig is in Grand Prairie, Texas, at the Verizon Feb. 18.