David Kushner has officially canceled his upcoming show in Manchester, citing personal struggles that have made it difficult for him to continue performing.
The 24-year-old singer-songwriter shared the news with his fans, expressing deep regret over the decision. “It truly breaks my heart to miss this night with you,” he wrote in an Instagram post, apologizing for the disappointment.
Despite his efforts to push through, Kushner admitted that the past week had been particularly challenging, leading to his decision to take a step back for the sake of his well-being.
The announcement comes just days after an emotional moment on stage in Newcastle, where Kushner broke down in tears while addressing his audience. In a heartfelt confession, he admitted that he was “not doing okay mentally” and struggling with severe anxiety.
Unable to continue, he was forced to cut the show short, leaving fans both concerned and supportive. “I’m so sorry,” he told the crowd. “I’m dealing with a lot of anxiety, so I’m so sorry I can’t continue this show. I’m not doing as well as I thought.”
His candid admission has sparked conversations about mental health, with many fans rallying behind him in messages of support.
As part of his ongoing UK tour, Kushner had scheduled additional performances in Birmingham, Bristol, and London. While the Manchester show has been canceled, he reassured fans that refunds would be issued to all ticket holders.
Despite this setback, he remains hopeful about resuming his tour and is working towards being back on stage in Birmingham on March 11. “I’m working to get better and hoping to be back,” he shared, emphasizing his commitment to both his recovery and his music.
Fans and mental health advocates have since commended Kushner for his openness in discussing his struggles. One fan wrote, “His honesty is enough to tell you what kind of person he is.”
Meanwhile, Anxiety UK, a mental health charity, praised the singer for using his platform to bring awareness to anxiety. “It’s a testimony to him that he’s spoken out,” said spokesperson David Smithson. “It can help other people understand how debilitating it can be.”
This kind of transparency from public figures plays a crucial role in normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging those struggling to seek help.
According to the NHS, anxiety is defined as “a feeling of fear or unease” that can manifest through a range of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms. Recent statistics highlight a rise in mental health concerns among young people, with 34% of individuals aged 18 to 24 reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders in 2021/22—an increase from 24% in 2000.
Health experts suggest various coping strategies, including therapy, breathing exercises, and physical activity, to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Kushner’s rapid rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable. With nearly 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he first gained global attention when his song Miserable Man went viral on TikTok in 2022. His breakthrough success was followed by Daylight, a 2023 hit that has since amassed over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify.
The track peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and reached number one in multiple countries, solidifying his status as a rising star in the music industry.
Since then, Kushner has performed on Radio 1’s Live Lounge and taken his music to stadiums worldwide. However, his recent struggles serve as a reminder of the pressures that come with fame. As he takes time to focus on his mental health, fans and fellow artists continue to express their unwavering support.
While the future of his tour remains uncertain, one thing is clear—his honesty and vulnerability have left a lasting impact, not just on his audience, but on the larger conversation around mental health in the music industry.
