Charli XCX has responded to criticism of her upcoming ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ UK and Europe tour having only six dates.
- READ MORE: Charli XCX live at Reading 2026: a stylish, cinematic, but sometimes underwhelming performance
Charli recently announced the arena tour, which is set to kick off in 2027 with Audrey Hobert joining at all dates as a special guest opener. Tickets go on general sale at 9am BST next Friday (September 18) – you’ll be able to buy yours here – and you can see a full list of dates here.
The tour only has six dates, with Charli heading to Dublin, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Amsterdam and Paris next February, leading some fans to be disappointed that there were not further shows in other European countries.
Charli has now responded, writing on Instagram: “I know there’s a lot of frustration in the comments about the fact that I am not doing lots of dates. I am really sorry if you feel disappointed but I have to honor my truth as an artist: touring is really emotionally and physically hard for me.
“I am not looking for sympathy and I have a huge amount of respect for artists who can handle it at an intense, lengthy and high octane level, but I am just not one of those human beings and I never have been,” she added.
The ‘365’ singer went on to say that this was also the reason she chose to do a shorter run on her current North American tour, which kicked off in Philadelphia last night (September 11).
“I’m sorry if you feel I am letting you down; I really am. Perhaps one day I will be built for the kind of touring you expect from me but right now I am not,” she added. “If you’re coming to a show I hope you have fun and enjoy it, and I will try my best to stay in a healthy and positive mindset and enjoy it too.”
Charli opened up about her struggles with her mental health back in June, saying she was “in the worst place mentally that I’ve been in my life” and that her “emotions are very, very volatile at the minute, I’ll be honest.”
Last month saw Charli headline Reading & Leeds 2026 off the back of the album. In a four-star review, NME described her Reading slot as “a stylish, cinematic, but sometimes underwhelming performance”. It reasoned that the early set time was “unfortunate” for the singer, who “thrives in the dark”. The review went on to praise the “incredibly powerful ending”, concluding: “If only the whole set could have landed quite as hard.”
Meanwhile, Charli has released a limited number of $25 (£18.50) ‘Angel Tickets’ for her North American tour. The seats are selected at random and could include limited view, lower and upper levels, as well as GA Floor.
In other news, the pop star has been nominated for two MTV VMAs – Best Pop and Best Art Direction – for her recent single ‘SS26’. Earlier this summer, she joined The Strokes on stage at Outside Lands to perform ‘Take It Or Leave It’, and teamed up with Lorde at Lollapalooza.
Charli XCX “begrudgingly” released the B-sides for ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ in July, and shared the album’s accompanying live film.
For further help and advice on mental health:
- “Am I depressed?” – Help and advice on mental health and what to do next
- MITC – A collective of musician industry therapists
- TONIC Rider – Bespoke training and support for music industry professionals
- Help Musicians UK – Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians
- Music Support Org – Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues
- YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing
- CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably
- The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day
The post Charli XCX explains why there are only six dates on upcoming UK and European tour: “Touring is really emotionally and physically hard for me” appeared first on NME.
