La Roux has pulled out of her scheduled performance supporting Hilary Duff in Auckland tonight (October 20th), revealing she is unwell and unable to take the stage.
The British synthpop artist, whose real name is Elly Jackson, was due to open for Duff at Spark Arena as part of the New Zealand and Australian leg of her ‘lucky me’ tour.
In a video shared to her Instagram Stories, Jackson apologised to fans for the last-minute cancellation, explaining that her condition had not improved.
“I’m really sorry, but I’ve had to pull the show this evening,” she said. “I’ve had a fever for two days… I can’t get out of bed. I’m really sorry.”
Jackson also expressed her disappointment at missing the opportunity to explore New Zealand and perform for local audiences. “It’s very disappointing on many levels just because I haven’t got to see any of New Zealand and I haven’t got to play for any of you guys. So that’s the whole reason we’re here, right?”
She ended the message on a hopeful note, telling fans, “So another time hopefully. And hope you all have a really lovely evening and I hope to see you again very soon.”
The cancellation comes just two days before La Roux is scheduled to join Duff for the Australian leg of the tour, beginning at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Thursday, October 22nd.
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At the time of writing, no changes have been announced for the remaining Australian performances, which include Sydney on October 24th, two Melbourne shows on October 26th and 27th, and Perth on October 29th.
La Roux, best known for synthpop hits including “Bulletproof” and “In for the Kill”, was announced as the special guest for Duff’s Australian and New Zealand dates when the tour was unveiled in February.
The shows mark Duff’s return to the region in support of her sixth studio album, Luck… or Something, released in February via Atlantic Records. The record marked her first full-length release in more than a decade, following 2015’s Breathe In. Breathe Out.
Duff launched her comeback late last year with the single “Mature”, followed by “Roommates”, before announcing her first major world tour in nearly two decades.
Whether La Roux will be well enough to return to the stage in Brisbane on Thursday remains unclear.
