In October 2022, pop star Justin Bieber was forced to postpone several shows on his Justice World Tour due to health issues. The cancelation impacted a number of Justin Bieber’s concerts, including some highly anticipated shows.
Why Did Justin Bieber Cancel Concerts?
Justin Bieber postponed several concerts on doctor’s orders after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by paralysis of the face. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
In June 2022, Bieber announced on Instagram that the right side of his face was paralyzed due to Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. He shared video footage showing the impacts of the paralysis on his ability to blink and smile.
Bieber reported experiencing other symptoms including ear pain and difficulty eating. He stated that he was doing facial exercises and taking time to “rest and relax and get back to 100%.” However, the effects of the syndrome forced Bieber to cancel several upcoming shows.
Which Concerts Were Impacted?
At least 7 shows on Bieber’s Justice World Tour were postponed due to his health issues. The impacted concerts included:
- June 7, 2022 – Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada
- June 8, 2022 – Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada
- June 10, 2022 – Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada
- June 14, 2022 – Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
- June 16, 2022 – Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY
- June 17, 2022 – Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY
- June 24-25, 2022 – Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL
In addition, several other shows scheduled for late June and early July 2022 were postponed. The full extent of canceled and postponed dates impacted over a dozen shows throughout North America.
How Did Fans React?
Understandably, Justin Bieber fans were disappointed by the cancelations. However, most expressed support for Bieber taking time to rest and recover. A look at fan reactions on social media shows overwhelming encouragement for Bieber:
- “Get well soon Justin!”
- “Praying for you Bieber, take all the time you need.”
- “Hope you have a speedy recovery, we can wait for the concert!”
- “Health comes first, take care of yourself Justin.”
- “We will be patiently waiting for you to get back to 100%!”
Some fans also requested refunds for the postponed shows. Bieber’s team assured ticketholders that refunds would be offered for canceled dates. Rescheduled concert details were announced in early July.
When Will the Postponed Concerts Be Rescheduled For?
After taking several weeks off to recover, Justin Bieber resumed his tour in Europe in late July. He then returned to North America in August to kick off the rescheduled dates.
The postponed Toronto and Philadelphia shows were rescheduled for August, while the New York City and Tampa concerts were pushed back to early 2023. Here are the rescheduled dates so far:
Original Date | Location | Rescheduled Date |
---|---|---|
June 7, 2022 | Toronto, ON | August 4, 2022 |
June 8, 2022 | Toronto, ON | August 5, 2022 |
June 14, 2022 | Philadelphia, PA | August 20, 2022 |
June 16-17, 2022 | New York City, NY | January 28-29, 2023 |
June 24-25, 2022 | Tampa, FL | March 23-24, 2023 |
Bieber took advantage of the unplanned break in his tour schedule to fully recuperate. By late July, he stated that his health was “back to normal” and he was ready to deliver high energy shows for fans once again.
What Comes Next for Bieber and the Justice Tour?
Following the rescheduled North American dates, Justin Bieber is slated to bring the Justice World Tour to South America in September 2022. He’ll perform shows in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia and Peru among other countries.
In 2023, Bieber’s tour continues with legs in South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The Justice World Tour is currently scheduled to wrap up in Krakow, Poland in March 2023.
Bieber originally planned to take the tour into 2024. However, after the unexpected 2-month break for his Ramsay Hunt Syndrome recovery, he decided to complete the tour in 2023. It’s likely his future tour plans remain tentative pending evaluation of his health.
Nonetheless, for the remainder of 2022 and 2023, Justin Bieber fans around the globe will still have plenty of opportunities to catch him perform live. The Justice World Tour will bring Bieber’s upbeat dance tunes and hits like “Peaches” and “Ghost” to millions more adoring fans.
What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?
As mentioned previously, Ramsay Hunt syndrome is the condition that caused Justin Bieber to postpone his concerts. Here is some more in-depth information on this rare neurological disorder:
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
- After initial infection, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissues near the ear and facial nerves.
- Reactivation of the virus leads to inflammation of facial nerves, causing facial paralysis and ear pain.
- Additional symptoms can include hearing loss, ringing in the ears, vertigo, and changes in taste.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome is considered a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.
- Antiviral medications, steroids, and physical therapy are used to treat the condition.
- Most people recover within a few months, but some have longer-lasting or permanent nerve damage.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome is rare, affecting about 5 per 100,000 people each year.
Justin Bieber’s young age and access to top medical care likely aided his recovery from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. However, the experience serves as a reminder that even global superstars are vulnerable to rare illnesses.
Bieber’s Career and Life in 2022
Prior to the Justice Tour, 2022 was shaping up to be a banner year for Justin Bieber, 28, both professionally and personally.
In March, he released his seventh studio album Justice. It debuted at #1 in over 20 countries and contained global hit songs like “Anyone”, “Hold On”, and “Ghost.”
Professionally, Bieber was at the top of his game and planning an extensive 132-date world tour. Personally, he was reveling in newlywed life after marrying model Hailey Bieber in 2018.
However, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome jeopardized his lucrative tour and revealed vulnerabilities behind the pop icon image. Thankfully, Bieber is still young and can recover fully with rest. His supermodel wife has also been a strong source of support.
Moving forward, Bieber’s health scare may wind up being just a bump in the road. As his singing and dancing skills return intact, he can get back on track professionally and resume doing what he loves – performing for the millions of “Beliebers” around the world who adore him.
Other Major Concert Cancelations in 2022
Justin Bieber is far from the only major music artist who has had to cancel concerts this year. Other musicians who called off shows in 2022 include:
- The Rolling Stones – Postponed European tour dates after singer Mick Jagger tested positive for COVID-19.
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Rescheduled shows because guitarist John Frusciante contracted COVID-19.
- Elton John – Pushed back farewell tour dates in North America and Europe after sustaining a hip injury.
- The Who – Singer Roger Daltrey lost his voice, forcing the band to call off 4 concert dates.
- Eric Clapton – Cancelled shows on his North American tour following testing positive for COVID.
As these examples show, even the most iconic bands still get derailed by health issues from time to time. While cancelations are unavoidable, most artists are quick to reschedule shows once they’ve recovered.
Past Health Issues on Bieber’s Tours
Sadly, this isn’t the first time the pop phenom has faced health problems on tour. Justin Bieber has dealt with several illnesses and injuries while on the road over the years:
- Purpose World Tour – Bieber ended the tour early due to depression, exhaustion, and sleep apnea.
- Believe Tour – He fainted backstage and was hospitalized for oxygen deprivation.
- My World Tour – Bieber was forced to cancel dates after undergoing knee surgery.
- 2012-13 Tour – He vomited on stage and collapsed several times from food poisoning.
Performing grueling concert schedules seems to consistently take a toll on Bieber’s physical and mental health. His Ramsay Hunt Syndrome diagnosis continues a concerning pattern.
Moving forward, Bieber may need to build in more recovery time and scale back overly ambitious touring. His health problems over the years serve as a reminder that fame and fortune can’t protect someone from getting sick.
Could More 2022 Tour Dates Get Postponed?
While Bieber seems to have recovered well from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, it remains concerning that additional Justice Tour dates could still be postponed or canceled this year.
Now 28 years old, Bieber is likely finding it harder to withstand the rigors of touring compared to when he first rose to fame as a teenager. Burnout and chronic health conditions may force him to scale back his schedule.
Bieber also faces continued COVID risks while back on the road. If he or his band members test positive, more dates could get postponed on short notice. Additionally, his prior collapse from oxygen deprivation suggests potential lingering lung vulnerabilities.
Let’s hope Justin Bieber has built in adequate breaks and has medical staff keeping a close eye on his health. However, fans should brace for the possibility of more concert cancelations as the Justice World Tour continues through 2023.
Long-Term Impacts on Bieber’s Touring Career
Looking beyond 2022, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome may permanently alter Justin Bieber’s approach to concert tours and public appearances.
The facial paralysis was temporary in Bieber’s case. But the experience likely left an enduring impact and raised concerns about potential recurring symptoms or permanent nerve damage in the future.
As a result, Bieber may become more selective with his touring schedule going forward. He now knows firsthand how a rare health condition can suddenly derail a fully planned string of sold-out shows.
Bieber may also add clauses to touring contracts relating to unforeseen illnesses. This would provide him greater flexibility to postpone or cancel dates when faced with incapacitating symptoms.
Ultimately, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome was a wake up call for the young superstar. While Bieber still plans to perform for years to come, he’ll likely be more health conscious about the risks of over-touring.
Conclusion
Being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome forced Justin Bieber to make the difficult decision to postpone over a dozen North American tour dates in June and July 2022. However, the world-famous pop star has been diligently rehabilitating and plans to complete the Justice World Tour into 2023.
Bieber’s predicament is a good reminder that even the most successful performers are vulnerable to unexpected illnesses. His fans continue to provide encouragement and eagerly await his return. With improved health and rest, Bieber looks forward to once again doing what he loves – entertaining millions through the power of music.