Sam Smith concert: why was Manchester show cancelled - what's going on with Glasgow and Birmingham gigs?

Sam Smith has announced that they are cancelling their concerts in Glasgow and Birmingham due to a "vocal chord injury". The singer was forced cancel their Manchester concert on Wednesday (24 May) after performing only a handful of songs. Fans were left confused when the 31 year old’s show at the AO Arena went dark, with Smith’s performance seemingly coming to a stop. 

Shortly afterwards the audience was told that the show had come to an end due to problems that Smith was experiencing with their voice. 

This is everything you need to know. 

What did Sam Smith say about the Manchester show?

Taking to Instagram, Smith released a statement which said that they were “heartbroken” that they couldn’t finish the show in Manchester.

Smith wrote: “Dearest sailors, I don’t know what to say honestly. I fought off a virus a few weeks ago and since then we have travelled across Europe and had such incredible shows. Today in soundcheck I felt fine and was so excited to give Manchester an amazing show tonight, with a special surprise at the end.

“During my third song, I noticed something wrong with my voice. I prayed it was just my voice waking up for the show but into the fourth song I could feel something was really wrong. I came off stage and have tried everything to get my voice back in gear but it won’t.

“I am honestly heartbroken I couldn’t finish the show tonight for you all. I love you all. I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry x”

What's going on with the Glasgow and Birmingham gigs?

Following some uncertainty about whether or not the Glasgow or Birmingham gigs would be going ahead after the Manchester show, Smith has officially confirmed that the two remaining UK performances on their tour have been cancelled.

Both these shows had previously been rescheduled. At the end of April, Smith pushed the Glasgow gig from 22 April to 25 May, and on 24 April Smith announced that the Birmingham gig, which had been originally set to take place on 25 April, was also being rescheduled to 27 May.

Posting on their Instagram story on Thursday (25 May), Smith wrote: "Due to vocal issues during [Wednesday 24 May] Manchester performance, regrettably we will be cancelling the rescheduled Birmingham and Glasgow Sam Smith shows.

"Refunds will be available at point of purchase for all three dates: Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

"A spokesperson said 'Doctors have advised due to a vocal chord injury, Sam must have complete vocal rest. Sam is heartbroken to have had to cancel these shows but if they have been told by doctors that if they keep singing, they will do permanent damage to their voice If they take some rest they will be able to perform again'.

"I'm so sorry [broken heart emoji]."