First up today is bad news for Lady Gaga fans.
The 31-year-old New York performer, who recently revealed she’s suffering with fibromyalgia, has pulled her European tour on doctor’s orders.
The six-week Euro leg of her Joanne World Tour was due to kick off on Thursday in Barcelona and take in five UK gigs, but those plans have now been shelved as the star continues to battle with “severe physical pain” and “trauma”.
The Bad Romance singer cancelled her performance at Rock In Rio last week and posted an image of herself in hospital.
Now, in a lengthy message, posted to her 25.4 million Instagram followers, Lady G confessed that “trauma and chronic pain have changed my life” but described herself as “a fighter” and vowed to return.
She said: “I have always been honest about my physical and mental health struggles. Searching for years to get to the bottom of them. It is complicated and difficult to explain, and we are trying to figure it out.
“As I get stronger and when I feel ready, I will tell my story in more depth, and plan to take this on strongly so I can not only raise awareness, but expand research for others who suffer as I do, so I can help make a difference.
“I use the word “suffer” not for pity, or attention, and have been disappointed to see people online suggest that I’m being dramatic, making this up, or playing the victim to get out of touring.
If you knew me, you would know this couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m a fighter. I use the word suffer not only because trauma and chronic pain have changed my life, but because they are keeping me from living a normal life.”
A statement by tour promoter Live Nation confirmed Gaga is “suffering from severe physical pain that has impacted her ability to perform.”
Adding: “She remains under the care of expert medical professionals who recommended the postponement earlier today.
“Lady Gaga is devastated that she has to wait to perform for her European fans. She plans to spend the next seven weeks proactively working with her doctors to heal from this and past traumas that still affect her daily life, and result in severe physical pain in her body.
“She wants to give her fans the best version of the show she built for them when the tour resumes.”
No word yet when they will be.