On Colter Wall’s Tour Cancellation and “Indefinite Hiatus”

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It has become increasingly frustrating as a music consumer that especially after the pandemic, performers seem to be more quick and at ease with canceling performances or tours, and all as ticketing prices rise, as do travel costs and accommodations that sometimes come with venturing to see your favorite artists perform. Where previously the mantra was “the show must go on,” these days it seems the tendency is to cancel first, and figure out the rest later.

But “the show must go on” is often what predicated dangerous and sometimes fatal outcomes for our favorite artists as drugs fueled endless touring, and sidelined mental health issues until the spilled over into catastrophic outcomes. The recent death of Todd Snider after he went on tour and ended up wondering the streets of Salt Lake City looking for help underscores the risks on not taking these matters seriously, as does the recent biography of Justin Townes Earle, or the cautionary tale of Luke Bell.

Colter Wall has constructed an incredible and improbable career out of revitalizing the Western style of country music. With his most recently album—the critically-acclaimed Memories and Empties—he revitalized the traditional side of country too.

But Colter Wall’s tour schedule has always been thin compared to peers, and less than the potential he has to be a major draw and bread winner in live music. It seems he’d rather be hanging out on the ranch in Saskatchewan than singing for folks in stately theaters or at festivals. It’s this authenticity that people appreciate about Colter, even if it’s been frustrating trying to catch him live over the years, including cancelling tours and appearances.

On Wednesday (3-11), Colter Wall cancelled numerous appearances again, ending his current tour before performing two dates in Indianapolis, as well as shows in Cincinnati and Detroit. He also announced that he will be going on hiatus from touring indefinitely.

This comes after Colter has been on one of the more extended tours of his career starting in Texas in January. He performed nearly 20 dates, though had to cancel shows in Fort Worth on January 23rd and 24th due to the winter storm.

In a statement, Colter Wall said,

Myself and the band and the crew are very grateful for the privilege to play music together for you. We thank you for it. The truth is that I am mentally unwell. Despite this, I have pushed myself to continue with touring. As a result my mental health has only further declined.

After discussions with my team, we have decided to cancel the remaining shows and take an indefinite hiatus from live music. Thank you for your understanding and support. Tickets will be refunded automatically from original point of purchase.

These types of cancellations will never cease to be a frustration to consumers. Performers and promoters should try to be as responsible as possible in trying to not set unrealistic expectations, and understanding the major inconvenience cancellations can create.

But it’s better to read statements and stories about cancellations and postponements instead of deaths and funerals. Colter Wall should be given the grace to find whatever equilibrium is necessary for him to continue in music in whatever capacity he so chooses, even if that means only making one-off select appearances in the future, or not performing in public at all. His career has been too imperative to the renewed rise of Western music to put that in peril in any capacity.

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