Sting has canceled a series of performances and appearances at short notice this week following advice from his doctor.
The 73-year-old British singer, who was scheduled to attend multiple events in California and Arizona, cited “illness” as the reason behind the sudden changes.
A statement posted on his Instagram page confirmed the cancellations, though it did not provide further details regarding his health condition. The news comes as a disappointment to fans who were looking forward to his highly anticipated shows.
Among the events affected is the Bass Magazine Awards in California, where Sting was set to receive a lifetime achievement award on Thursday. The artist was also slated to perform at the awards ceremony, but his absence means he will no longer take the stage to celebrate this significant honor.
In addition, Sting postponed two of his STING 3.0 concerts scheduled for this week, including one in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 24, and another in Wheatland, California, on January 26.
A statement released on social media addressed the situation, explaining, “On advisement from his doctor, due to illness, it is with sincere regret that Sting must cancel his appearance at the Bass Magazine Awards this Thursday and postpone his STING 3.0 concerts.“
The postponed Phoenix show has been rescheduled for June 1, while the Wheatland concert has been moved to May 28. Fans were reassured that tickets for the original dates would remain valid for the new show dates.
In addition to his concerts, Sting’s participation in the Cherrytree Music Company’s 20th anniversary celebration has also been rescheduled. Originally set for later this week, the event—featuring performances by Sting, Shaggy, and other artists—will now take place on May 29.
The organizers expressed their commitment to honoring the lineup and ensuring fans can still enjoy the event. Sting’s team offered an apology to fans, stating, “Sting sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience and extends his gratitude to the fans for their understanding.”
Sting, born Gordon Sumner, first gained fame as the frontman of The Police in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band delivered a string of iconic hits such as Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, Don’t Stand So Close to Me, and Every Breath You Take.
His transition to a solo career proved equally successful, with chart-topping albums and global hits, including Englishman in New York and If I Ever Lose My Faith in You. Collaborations like All for Love with Bryan Adams and Rod Stewart further cemented his place as a musical icon.
Even after decades in the music industry, Sting remains a formidable presence. In 2022, he joined the ranks of legendary artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan by selling his extensive music catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group.
The deal included both his solo material and his work with The Police, marking a major milestone in his career and underscoring the enduring value of his artistry.
This week’s cancellations mark a rare pause for Sting, who has maintained an active schedule of performances in recent years. Fans have expressed understanding and support on social media, wishing him a swift recovery.
Many are hopeful that his postponed shows will go ahead as planned later this year, allowing them to once again enjoy the magic of his live performances.
While the circumstances behind his cancellations remain undisclosed, Sting’s decision to prioritize his health has been widely supported by fans and the music community. As one of the most celebrated artists of his generation, Sting’s commitment to his craft and his audience remains evident, and his forthcoming performances are highly anticipated by fans around the world.
