MNEK Cancels Tour Due to Low Ticket Sales and High Production Costs
BBC News reports that MNEK has called off his upcoming tour, citing a lack of ticket sales and production costs that weren't meeting his standards.
The Grammy-nominated artist, known for his work with Beyoncé, Zara Larsson, and Madonna, had been scheduled to begin a run of shows for his latest album, Bulldozer!!, next month. In a statement on Instagram, MNEK explains the decision:
I had been really looking forward to performing this album, but I have no interest in doing this tour if I can’t do it right.
He acknowledges fans who purchased tickets and assures them refunds will be issued. MNEK expresses his intention to reschedule the tour when he can put on a show that meets fan expectations.
Larsson, a past collaborator, was among those offering support, while Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock and singer Becky Hill also expressed encouragement.
MNEK's cancellation joins a growing trend of artists struggling with a "cost of touring crisis" due to rising expenses. As David Rowntree, chair of the Featured Artists Coalition, noted to the BBC earlier this year, it's become nearly impossible for artists to make touring profitable.
Born in southeast London, MNEK began his career as a professional songwriter at 14. He's since co-written for acts like The Saturdays and Little Mix and contributed to hits for global stars. He received his first Grammy nomination in 2014 for "Need U (100%)" and was nominated again this year for "Midnight Sun."
After years as a featured artist, MNEK's debut album Language was released in 2018, followed by his second album, Bulldozer!!, last month.