Halifax Pop Explosion has a lot going for it. This year’s lineup includes Japandoids, Cloud Nothings, Devarrow, Julie (Doiron) & The Wrong Guys, Elliott Brood, Partner, and a bunch of other bands we’re excited to see. But no headliner was more exciting than Charles Bradley. At least until today, when Bradley announced he will be cancelling his appearance and all upcoming tour dates.
Today’s announcement was made immediately following the news that Bradley’s previously treated stomach cancer had spread to his liver. The singer had been diagnosed with stomach cancer last fall and, having undergone treatments, returned to touring this past spring. The singer says he was feeling run down during recent tour dates, leading to the discovery that, although it had not return to his stomach, the cancer had spread to his liver.
Bradley says that he is taking time away from the road to focus on treatment and recovery, which includes cancelling his performance at Halifax Pop Explosion.
“I love all of you out there that made my dreams come true,” says 68-year old Bradley in his message to his fans. “When I come back, I’ll come back strong, with God’s love. With God’s will, I’ll be back soon.”
The Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival & Conference is expected to make further announcements regarding this cancellation in the near future.
“It was with heavy hearts that we received the news about Charles and his condition,” says James Boyle, Executive Director of HPX. “After returning to the road following a series of treatments last year, we were very excited to see him perform in Halifax again. Charles Bradley—the Screaming Eagle of Soul—remains one of the most inspiring and gifted performers of our generation. We understand this must be an unbelievably difficult time, and we want to extend our best wishes as he undertakes this necessary healing process.”