Jelly Roll’s long-awaited debut tour of Australia and New Zealand came to a sudden halt in Auckland, with the US genre-bending star forced to cancel the final show due to illness, moments before he was due to take the stage.
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, was set to close the run at The Outer Fields at Western Springs in Auckland on Friday night, 8 November. Gates had opened, support acts had begun preparing, and fans were already inside the venue when the announcement came shortly after 6pm that the performance would not proceed.
The multi-platinum Nashville artist addressed fans directly across his social channels, sharing that he had pushed himself to perform but was unable to overcome the illness.
“Dear Auckland, I’ve done everything I can, I just can’t shake it,” he wrote. “It breaks my heart, I’ve probably missed three shows in the last decade. I pride myself on showing up no matter what. Just couldn’t do it this time. Please forgive me.”
The late notice drew disappointment from some fans, particularly those who had travelled long distances to see Jelly Roll’s first-ever New Zealand concert. Live Nation later confirmed that all ticket holders will receive automatic full refunds, advising fans to contact their point of purchase for further assistance.
The Auckland date was scheduled as the final night of Jelly Roll’s first visit to Australia and New Zealand, a landmark moment in a career that has risen at remarkable speed.
The tour included:
Strummingbird Festival, Sunshine Coast, 25 October
AEC Theatre, Adelaide, 26 October
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, 28 October
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, 29 October
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, 4 November
Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, 1 November
RAC Arena, Perth, 2 November
The Outer Fields, Western Springs Auckland, 8 November (cancelled)
This first run follows Jelly Roll’s swift ascent from underground Southern rap and independent touring to chart-topping crossover success. His mix of country, rock, hip-hop, and gospel-inspired storytelling has made him one of modern Nashville’s most relatable new voices, speaking openly about addiction, incarceration, and redemption in a way that has connected deeply with fans around the world.
Jelly Roll has become one of country music’s most impactful new artists in recent years. In 2023, his album Whitsitt Chapel reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and his 2024 follow-up Beautifully Broken debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre chart, cementing his crossover appeal.
He has also scored eight consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, including Heart Of Stone, I Am Not Okay and Liar, which held the top spot for six weeks. His raw honesty and anthemic choruses have seen him draw comparisons to the gritty, confessional sounds of artists like Johnny Cash and Chris Stapleton, although his hybrid sound remains uniquely his own.
While the last-minute cancellation left some disappointed, Jelly Roll’s history of rarely missing shows is well documented. With his next scheduled appearance on 15 November in Mexico City, the forced rest will hopefully allow him time to recover fully and return to the stage at full strength.
His Australian visit also arrives during a period of intense personal transformation. Known for openly discussing both his struggles and triumphs, Jelly Roll has spoken recently about losing more than 110 pounds, aiming to inspire fans through his journey rather than simply present results after the fact.
“Somehow I managed to be this successful carrying 550 pounds,” he said earlier this year. “I didn’t become successful because of my weight, I became successful in spite of it.”
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