English Teacher cancel headline shows of upcoming US tour due to “health reasons”

1 September, 2024

English Teacher. Credit: Andy Ford for NME

English Teacher have cancelled the headline slots of their upcoming US tour due to “health reasons”.

The indie band picked up their Mercury nod this summer (July 25), with the former NME cover stars‘ acclaimed debut ‘This Could Be Texas’ being shortlisted alongside records by the likes of Charli XCX, CMAT, Ghetts, The Last Dinner Party, Corinne Bailey Rae, Beth Gibbons, Barry Can’t Swim and more.

The band were due to head out to the US this month, kicking off in Texas in two weeks (September 11) and embarking on a 16 night tour that finished up in Los Angeles.

They wrote on Twitter: “For health reasons we have decided to cancel the headline shows of our upcoming US tour. There is no need for concern,” the reassured fans, before adding: “but we ask that you forgive us for the disappointment this may cause. We’re going to come back next year so keep an eye out. Best wishes x.”

The band recently spoke to NME about what it means to be nominated for the Mercury, with frontwoman Lily Fontaine describing it as “mental”, and calling this year’s list of nominees “the best year yet. Not just because we’re on it!”

For a band who have been very vocal about how difficult it is for artists to survive and thrive in the current climate, English Teacher said that the honour felt all the more profound.

“There’s a lot of temptation to not continue making music because you physically can’t,” Fontaine admitted. “We had to push through so much stuff to actually make the album. It’s paid off in this weird culturally-recognised way, so it’s worth pushing through the hard times.”

They also gave an indication of where they are with the creation of the follow-up to ‘This Could Be Texas’, with guitarist Lewis Whiting saying, “We’re kind of in the middle of it at the minute. We’re getting stuck into it now.

“I feel like it’s still in the really early stages. It’s hard to say. We’re still figuring that out, but we’re getting started.”

The winners of the Mercury Prize will be announced in September.

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