Mahindra Blues Festival 2024: Grammy-nominated singer Beth Hart cancels appearance due to mental health concerns

Hart was in the line-up for the 12th edition of the festival, along with some of the biggest names in blues music including Indian Tipriti Kharbangar. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/officialbethhart)

As the Mahindra Blues Festival unfolds this weekend in Bandra at Mehboob Studio with an all-women lineup, music fans in Mumbai will not be able to witness Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Beth Hart live according to a statement released by her earlier today. Hart has stated that her absence at the blues festival is due to ongoing health concerns particularly related to her mental health.

Hart was in the line-up for the 12th edition of the festival, along with some of the biggest names in blues music like Vanessa Collier, Sheryl Youngblood, Dana Fuchs, Samantha Fish among the international names along with India's finest Tipriti Kharbangar, who will definitely miss her, as they perform this weekend.

In her note, she states, "I regret to inform you that I must cancel my upcoming appearances in both India at the Mahindra Blues Festival and Australia due to ongoing health concerns, particularly related to my mental well-being. My health condition prevented me from boarding my flight today to begin my tour as planned. This decision comes after careful consideration and consultation with my doctors, as I have been under their care since October. Managing bipolar disorder has been challenging, and prioritising my health is crucial at this time."

She further adds, "The management of my medication more challenging in the last week, and despite my efforts to make the tour work, I need to focus on my recovery. Your support means the world to me, and I deeply apologize for any disappointment this may cause. I was looking forward to sharing in the energy and passion for music with you all. I promise to make it up to you once I am in better health. Thank you for understanding and I appreciate your support. Beth"

The Mahindra Blues Festival team has also released a statement wishing Hart a speedy recovery during these difficult times, and even though her absence leaves a void, they shared their heartfelt wishes and full support for prioritising her health.

Hart is known for her powerful voice in some of her most popular hits including ‘LA Song' from 1999, along with her Grammy-nominated 'Seesaw' in 2013, among other hits. She is also known for her collaborations with Joe Bonamassa. Most recently, she released ‘A Tribute to Led Zeppelin' in 2022, which is her collection of covers of songs by the English rock band.