During the Australian leg of his “Beautifully Broken” tour, popular singer Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, candidly discussed his mental health challenges. In a recent interview on the “No Filter” podcast with Kate Langbroek, he admitted that he was experiencing significant mental distress. “Oh, it’s a bad week to ask me. I’m falling apart. It’s a horrible week,” he revealed.
The singer expressed that he felt he was “doing the worst mentally” he had in a long time, attributing part of his struggle to the solitary nature of his tour. Unlike his previous tours in the United States, where he traveled with a group on a bus, the Australian tour had him spending considerable time alone in hotel rooms. “I don’t like spending a lot of time in my hotel room by myself. I’m in my head. I’m not having fun, I want to go home,” he shared.
Compounding his mental health issues, Jelly Roll reported that he had been experiencing increased stomach problems while touring in Australia. He stated, “I naturally have an uneasy stomach. When my stomach’s not right, nothing is right. My mind’s not right, I’m just not thinking clear.” The artist noted that this discomfort has dominated his thoughts, making it difficult for him to focus on anything else.
The toll on his health led to the cancellation of his show in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 8, which was intended to be the final performance of the tour. Fans learned of the cancellation on the day of the event, with many arriving at the venue unaware that the concert would not take place. Following the announcement, Jelly Roll expressed his disappointment via Instagram Stories, stating, “Dear Auckland, I’ve done everything I can. I just can’t shake it. It breaks my heart, I’ve probably missed three shows in the last decade. I pride myself on showing up no matter what. Just couldn’t do it this time. Please forgive me.”
Despite the challenges faced during the Australian leg of his tour, Jelly Roll successfully performed his first show in Australia on October 24 and concluded the series on November 6. Following a brief hiatus, he is scheduled to return to the stage in Mexico City on November 15.
Jelly Roll’s openness about his struggles highlights the importance of mental health awareness, especially in the high-pressure environment of touring. As he navigates these challenges, his fans continue to support him, hoping for his quick recovery and return to form.
