Snoop Dogg is one of the most iconic rappers and entertainers of all time. With a career spanning over 25 years, Snoop has become a household name and cemented his status as a rap legend. However, in recent years, Snoop has faced some challenges when it comes to touring and performing live shows. There have been several instances where Snoop has been forced to cancel or postpone tours for various reasons. Understanding why these cancellations occurred provides insight into the complications associated with large-scale rap tours and Snoop’s own personal circumstances.
Health Issues
One of the main reasons Snoop has cancelled shows is due to health issues and exhaustion. Touring can take a major toll on the body, especially for veteran artists like Snoop who have been doing this for decades. In 2016, Snoop cancelled several dates in Australia due to “unforeseen circumstances” which were later revealed to be health-related. He was ordered by doctors to take a break and recover.
Snoop’s health struggles continued into 2018 when he cancelled a show in Saskatoon due to illness as well. That same year, several European festival performances were also cancelled last minute when Snoop was too exhausted to take the stage. Doctors again urged him to rest. Now in his late 40s, the demands of touring appear to be catching up with Snoop’s body more often.
Chronic Health Conditions
In addition to temporary illnesses and fatigue, Snoop Dogg also suffers from some chronic health conditions that have interfered with his touring over the years. He has struggled with migraines and revealed he was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain.
The effects of lupus flare-ups can be debilitating and often lead to cancelled events when the symptoms are too difficult to push through. The illness can cause severe fatigue, joint pain, fevers, and other complications. Snoop has to monitor his condition closely and rest during flare-ups, making touring and staying on schedule very challenging at times.
Vocal Issues
As a rapper, having a functioning and healthy voice is critical for performances. Unfortunately, Snoop has had to cancel shows occasionally due to losing his voice. In 2012, he had to postpone several appearances after straining his vocal cords. Doctors ordered him to be on complete vocal rest to recover.
Smoking and frequent marijuana use can also aggravate vocal issues over time for singers and rappers. Snoop is a very frequent cannabis user, which some experts believe contributes to his recurring vocal cord problems and hoarseness.
Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Snoop Dogg has had various run-ins with the law that have interfered with his touring schedule. While the most serious legal cases occurred early in his career, Snoop has continued to deal with minor legal disruptions while on tour as recently as the 2010s.
Drug and Gun Charges
Snoop faced serious felony charges in the 1990s for drug and gun possession that halted his music career temporarily. He was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1993, facing intense scrutiny that led to halting touring and recording. After a high profile trial, he was ultimately acquitted of the most serious charges.
However, Snoop was charged again in 1998 for marijuana possession. He pleaded guilty for the drug charges and received three years probation, forcing him to cancel touring plans that year.
Marijuana Possession Arrests
Despite marijuana becoming more widely legalized and accepted, there are still instances where Snoop Dogg has been arrested on possession charges in certain jurisdictions over the years. This has disrupted some tours and plans.
In 2010 he was barred from entering the Netherlands due to a marijuana conviction, forcing him to cancel a scheduled performance in the country. And in 2012, a marijuana arrest before a scheduled concert in Norway caused a stir, nearly leading to cancellations before he was released and able to perform.
These types of unforeseen arrests or legal issues stemming from marijuana possession have continued to create logistical issues for tours, especially when crossing between countries and jurisdictions where laws differ.
Other Factors
Beyond health problems and legal issues, there are other factors that have led to Snoop cancelling or postponing shows over the years as well.
Logistical and Production Issues
Putting together huge tours with lots of personnel, venues, and moving parts can inevitably lead to logistical issues that force last minute cancellations. Production problems, technical difficulties, or vendor problems can all put tours on hold unexpectedly.
In 2016, Snoop had to reschedule an entire Australian tour due to reported “logistic” reasons beyond his control. Mechanical and technical issues also caused a last minute cancellation of a Snoop show in Atlanta in 2014.
Weather Conditions
Bad weather is another unavoidable factor that has disrupted Snoop’s tours over the years. Inclement weather like lightning storms, high winds, blizzards, and other severe conditions can force outdoor concerts and festivals to be delayed or cancelled entirely.
Snoop has postponed shows due to weather in places ranging from Nebraska to Norway over the years. Outdoor tours and festivals in particular are vulnerable to weather disruptions.
Other Commitments
Given Snoop’s expansive career, he has many obligations and commitments outside of music as well. His acting roles, business ventures, family obligations, and TV appearances can all lead to scheduling conflicts that force tour dates to shift.
At times, gaps between tour dates have reportedly been due to film or TV production schedules. And Snoop himself has confirmed missing at least one recent show due to a family emergency, leading to a necessary cancellation.
Notable Cancelled or Postponed Tours and Performances
Looking closer at Snoop’s touring history, there are some notable cancellations that stand out due to their high-profile nature or the reason behind them:
Year | Cancelled/Postponed Tour or Performance | Reported Reason |
---|---|---|
1993 | The Doggy Style Tour | Murder charges halted performances and recordings |
1998 | I Wanna Thank Me Tour | Marijuana possession charges and probation |
2010 | Performance in Bergen, Norway | Marijuana possession arrest prior to show |
2012 | Several Australian shows | Strained vocal cords, ordered vocal rest |
2014 | Show in Atlanta, GA | Mechanical/technical issues with stage |
2016 | Entire Australian tour | Reported logistical issues |
2018 | Performance in Saskatoon | Illness, fatigue |
2019 | Performance in Concord, CA | Family emergency/obligation |
Impact on Fans
Whenever Snoop cancels shows, it is certainly disappointing for his legions of fans who purchased tickets. Superfans who travel long distances and budget to see their favorite rapper can be left frustrated when last minute cancellations happen. However, Snoop Dogg’s team generally tries to ameliorate the impact on fans.
Refunds are issued quickly so fans are not left out money. Replacement concerts are scheduled when feasible. And the cancellations are usually for reasonable causes like health that most fans understand, even if disappointed.
Snoop himself also tries to connect with fans when cancellations occur. He often posts apologies and explanations on social media to acknowledge disappointed fans. His desire to not let fans down is evident.
Examples of Fan Reactions
When Snoop has had to announce cancellations, fans generally respond with empathy while feeling let down. Here are some examples of direct fan quotes reacting to recent Snoop cancellations:
- “Man I took off work for this, rested up and everything. Was so hyped to finally see a legend like Snoop live. Hope he recovers but this sucks.”
- “Snoop’s health should definitely come first, he owes fans nothing. Rest up and feel better!”
- “This weather is so trash, why did the show have to get cancelled! At least we’ll get refunds.”
- “Gutted the tour is postponed but logistics happen. Hope Snoop comes back soon, sending prayers.”
While disappointing, most devoted Snoop fans understand when health, weather, or logistics force a cancellation. They send him well wishes and eagerly await the chance to see him live when he is able to tour again.
Conclusion
In summary, while tour cancellations are always unfavorable, they are sometimes inevitable even for legendary artists like Snoop Dogg. He has had to cancel or postpone tour dates over the years for reasons ranging from health problems and legal issues to weather and logistical factors.
Most often, health concerns due to the demands of touring into his late 40s have forced Snoop to take breaks and recover to avoid total burnout. Legal troubles early in his career as well as occasional marijuana arrests have also disrupted tours unexpectedly at times.
Despite the best planning, logistical issues and bad weather can force eleventh hour cancellations too. Through it all, Snoop tries to make amends with fans by quickly rescheduling shows, issuing refunds, and apologizing for the inconvenience. His supporters are generally understanding and eagerly await his return to the stage once he is ready.