During the Australian leg of his “Beautifully Broken” tour, popular singer Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, opened up about his ongoing mental health struggles. In a candid conversation on the “No Filter” podcast with Kate Langbroek, he revealed that this period has been particularly challenging for him.
In response to a question about managing mental health while on tour, Jelly Roll stated, “Oh, it’s a bad week to ask me. I’m falling apart. It’s a horrible week. Yeah, I’m doing the worst mentally I’ve done in a long time.” His comments reflect the pressures many artists face while touring, especially when separated from their usual routines and support systems.
The singer expressed that the structure of this tour has led to significant periods of solitude, as he found himself spending considerable time alone in hotel rooms. This experience starkly contrasts with his previous tours in the United States, where he traveled on a bus with other musicians and crew members. “I don’t like spending a lot of time in my hotel room by myself,” Jelly Roll admitted. “I’m in my head. I’m not having fun; I want to go home.”
Adding to his discomfort, Jelly Roll mentioned that his stomach issues have intensified while in Australia, impacting his overall well-being. “I naturally have an uneasy stomach,” he explained. “When my stomach’s not right, nothing is right. My mind’s not right; I’m just not thinking clear. All I’m thinking about right now is ‘why does my stomach feel like this?’”
On November 8, 2023, Jelly Roll cancelled a highly anticipated show in Auckland, New Zealand, which was intended to be the final performance of his Australia and New Zealand tour. The cancellation was announced on the same day, leaving many fans unaware until they arrived at the venue. Addressing his fans on Instagram Stories, he expressed his disappointment: “Dear Auckland, I’ve done everything I can. I just can’t shake it. 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.”
While Jelly Roll did not provide specific reasons for the cancellation, the emotional toll of his mental health struggles and physical ailments was evident in his remarks. His tour in Australia began on October 24 and concluded on November 6.
Currently, Jelly Roll is set to return to the stage in Mexico City on November 15, 2023, as he continues his tour schedule. His openness about mental health underscores the importance of addressing such issues, particularly among artists in the demanding entertainment industry.
