It was disconcerting to hear a festival media account deliver bad news when it ought come from the source. Yesterday music festival in London was forced to kibosh Earl Sweatshirt's scheduled performance at a moment's notice. The cancellation left Field Day with a gaping hole at the centre of their programming. Showing good faith, the organizers sent out a hopeful message Earl would consider returning at a future event. They did not however cite any reason for his dispersal.
Today reps for Earl Sweatshirt got in touch with Pitchfork to clarify the situation. Management confirmed he would skip other European bookings at Forbidden Fruit Festival in Dublin and Parklife Festival in Manchester grief he is suffering due to his father's passing in January. The official statement read as follows: "Earl is battling anxiety and depression which has been compounded by the grief from the recent passing of his father. He thought he would be ready to perform but simply is not yet able to. He would like to apologize to his fans and promises to be back as soon as he is able to."
We wish him all the best throughout his bereavement period, as long as it takes. Of course the hip hop landscape is better place with a talent like Earl Sweatshirt running on all cylinders; Be well.