Lauv Withdraws From Khalid Tour to Focus on Mental Health: ‘I’m Deeply Struggling Right Now’

Singer Lauv has announced that he is stepping away from his scheduled opening slot on Khalid’s It’s Always Summer Somewhere Tour, revealing that he is currently dealing with significant mental health challenges and needs time away from performing to focus on his well-being.

The singer shared the news in a statement posted to social media on Tuesday, explaining that he had been attempting to push through his struggles and return to the stage but ultimately realized he needed to prioritize his health.

“I’ve been trying to be strong enough to get back out there and share this music with all of you,” Lauv wrote. “But I have to be honest with myself and with you: I’m deeply struggling right now, and I need to step away for a little while to take care of my mental health.”

The announcement means Lauv will no longer join Khalid on the remaining dates of the North American leg of the tour, which began earlier this year. The decision comes as both artists were preparing to continue promoting their recent collaboration, “Tied Up,” released in May.

In his statement, Lauv apologized to fans who had planned to see him perform, as well as to Khalid and everyone involved with the tour. He acknowledged the disappointment his withdrawal may cause but emphasized that stepping away was necessary.

Mental health has been a recurring theme throughout Lauv’s career, both in his music and in public conversations with fans. The singer noted that many of his songs have explored topics such as anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and emotional healing, making it impossible to ignore his own struggles when they resurfaced.

“I’ve always tried to be open about my mental health because those experiences are woven into pretty much every song I’ve ever written,” he said. “If being open about this right now helps even one person look at their feelings and try to address what’s going on, then hopefully something good will come from it,” he continued. “I’ll do everything I can to get healthy, get back into a creative place, and get back to doing what I love best.”

The response from Khalid was immediate and supportive. Shortly after Lauv’s announcement, the singer shared a message of encouragement on social media, praising his longtime friend and collaborator for prioritizing his health.

“I wish you an abundance of love, light, and clarity through your dark times,” Khalid wrote. “Seeing you perform and do what you’re passionate about every night has been such a pleasure, and I know for a fact that when you are healed, you will continue to do even more great things.”

He continued by highlighting the impact Lauv’s music has had on listeners over the years, adding that fans would continue to support him during his recovery.

“Your stories and songs have impacted so many fans and listeners, and we all will continue to be there for you,” Khalid wrote.

The tour marked an important moment for both artists. For Khalid, it represented his first major tour in six years and served as support for his fourth studio album, After the Sun Goes Down. Roughly half of the U.S. dates remain before the tour heads overseas for performances across Europe and Oceania later this year.

That approach was particularly evident on his 2022 sophomore album, All 4 Nothing, a record that reflected a period of personal growth and self-examination. At the time, Lauv spoke openly about working through challenges with the help of therapy and meditation while creating the project.