Sam Smith Cancels Glasgow and Birmingham Shows Due to Vocal Cord Injury

British singer Sam Smith has canceled their shows in Glasgow and Birmingham due to a “vocal cord injury”.

The 31-year-old artist, who uses they/them pronouns and is non-binary, had to abandon their Manchester AO Arena show after performing just four songs.

The tour, which was in support of their fourth studio album, Gloria, had already rescheduled the Glasgow and Birmingham dates from April due to illness.

A statement posted on Smith’s Instagram account on Thursday confirmed the cancellations and said: “Due to vocal issues during last night’s Manchester performance, regrettably we will be cancelling the rescheduled Birmingham and Glasgow Sam Smith shows.” The statement added that refunds will be given for all three dates.

Doctors have advised Smith to rest completely because of the vocal cord injury.

A spokesperson for the singer said: “Sam is heartbroken to have had to cancel these shows but they have been told by doctors that if they keep singing, they will do permanent damage to their voice.

If they take some rest they will be able to perform again.”

Smith apologized to fans on social media, saying: “I’m so so sorry to have to announce this.

The last thing I want to do is cancel shows but I physically can’t push through any more than I am right now.

My voice needs the rest and my body needs a break.”

Smith has eight UK No1 singles, including Unholy and Too Good at Goodbyes.

The singer is scheduled to perform at a series of festivals across Europe over June and July, including shows in Poland, Switzerland, Portugal, and Latvia.

Prior to the Manchester concert, Smith teased a “surprise” at the Manchester AO Arena, suggesting that the 64-year-old singer-songwriter Madonna would be joining them on stage.

It is unknown whether this will still occur at a later date.

Fans have expressed their disappointment on social media and wished the singer a speedy recovery.

One Twitter user wrote: “Sending so much love to Sam Smith, hope they take all the time they need to recover and heal.

Their health is the most important thing right now.”

Vocal cord injuries are common among singers and can be caused by overuse, incorrect technique, or illness.

Symptoms include hoarseness, loss of voice, and difficulty speaking or singing.

Treatment includes vocal rest, therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.

Smith is not the first artist to cancel shows due to vocal cord issues.

In 2018, Adele canceled her final two Wembley Stadium shows after damaging her vocal cords.

The singer said she was “devastated” but had been advised to rest her voice.

In 2017, John Mayer underwent emergency surgery to remove a granuloma on his vocal cords.

The singer canceled his tour and took an extended break from performing to recover.

Mayer later described the experience as “the lowest point in my life”.

It is unclear when Smith will return to performing, but fans have expressed their support and encouraged the singer to prioritize their health.