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Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Fugees Abruptly Cancel U.S. Tour Days Before First Show
The highly anticipated reunion tour with Ms. Lauryn Hill and The Fugees was canceled days before its launch. Ticketmaster has listed all 18 U.S. dates of “The Celebration Continues: The Miseducation Anniversary Tour 2024” as canceled.
The tour celebrating Hill’s iconic album and The Fugees The Score was set to kick off Friday, Aug. 9, at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa and run through September across the U.S. The listing for each U.S. date has a message that says, “Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has had to cancel your event. You don’t need to do a thing.” It goes on to state that refunds will be issued to ticket buyers.
Hill released a statement Wednesday afternoon stating that the decision to scrap North American tour dates was done “with difficulty” and blames the media for “creating a narrative” that affected ticket sales.
She added that the shows in the United Kingdom and Europe at Manchester’s Co-op Live, The O2 in London, Paris’ Accor Arena and Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam are still happening. The European leg begins Oct. 12 and runs through Oct. 22.
“Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows,” Hill wrote on her social media pages. “Regrettably, some media outlet’s penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour. The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal.”
One story that circulated among outlets was Hill’s shows often started late, and she addressed her tardiness at a concert in Los Angeles, telling the crowd, “Yo, y’all lucky I make it on this blood ras stage every night. I don’t do it because they let me do it. I do it because I stand here in the name of God and I do it. God is the one who allows me to do it, who surrounded me with family and community when there was no support.”
She goes on to say in today’s statement that the UK and Europe haven’t seen her perform her anniversary show nor have they seen The Fugees on stage together in over 25 years.
“Performing for my fans is a profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time,” Hill added. “Every show is a piece of my expression and testament to our connection and shared love for music. I can assure you that no one is more disappointed about not being able to perform than I am. Know that I am not only grateful for those who appreciate and support my art, but that I FIGHT and push through all kinds of resistance to put together experiences that mean something for all of us.”
She concluded her statement by saying she and The Fugees look forward to the European shows and a message to her North American fans: “When these unforeseen circumstances are resolved, we’ll be back in full force…”
It’s not the first time the Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel have canceled dates. The trio canceled a reunion tour in 2022 citing COVID-19 concerns. The Fugees were on the bill for last year’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour” and performed a over dozen shows before Hill postponed the trek because of a “serious vocal strain.”
The most successful night of the anniversary tour was at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, a sold-out hometown show for Pras last October which grossed $1,886,714 off 13,751 tickets, according to Pollstar Boxoffice reports.
Another issue arose in 2023 involving Michel, who was found guilty of political conspiracy by a Washington, D.C. federal court jury. The Grammy-winning artist toured with The Fugees throughout it all last year, and he is in the process of appealing the decision and seeking a new trial, claiming his previous attorney, David Kenner, failed him. Kenner pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal contempt in January for leaking court documents from Michel’s case to reporters.
Hill is managed by LH Productions – the CEO of which is Ms. Lauryn Hill. Recent reports submitted to Pollstar Boxoffice for Hill include an April 6, 2024, show at Dolby Live at Park MGM Las Vegas that sold 2,421 tickets and grossed $413,651.
The Fugees are booked by United Talent Agency’s Jules de Lattre.
Note: The story was updated to include a statement from Ms. Lauryn Hill