The All Things Go Music Festival took place on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29. Many popular artists including Conan Gray, Laufy, Hozier, and Ethel Cain performed. Some artists, however, failed to make it to the festival.
Pop singer Chappell Roan canceled her set via Instagram story, saying, “I apologize to people who have been waiting to see me in NYC & DC this weekend at All Things Go, but I am unable to perform. Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks, and I am really feeling it.” She continued to describe the immense pressure she felt, ending by saying, “Be back soon xox.”
Chappell Roan’s cancellation has sparked a lot of controversy, with some fans feeling it was inconsiderate for her to not show up to this festival. Though there were many artists who participated, her performance was one of the more highly anticipated ones. Julia Ordonez, a junior, shared, “Me and my friend wanted to see Renee Rap and Conan Gray, but we were mostly going for Chappell Roan.”
This raises the question as to whether it is okay or not for artists to take breaks. Like any other job, being a musician is work. It can be fun at times and extremely draining during others. Senior Annalise Bohley said, “I think it’s really important for artists to care for their mental health. So, I don’t think [the problem] is her taking a break.” On the other hand, Ordonez said, “If it’s about going to a show, that’s your job — to perform for people. So, even if you don’t necessarily feel like doing it, you still have to.”
In addition to canceling her set, Roan has faced backlash for letting her fans know less than 24 hours before the festival. Those who bought tickets just to see her were not notified in time to get a refund. Bohley said, “The notice was a huge problem. I know a lot of people bought Chappell-themed outfits and got tickets to see her. The late notice prevented them from doing anything about it.” Ordonez felt that a last-minute Instagram story just did not cut it. “When she seems unprofessional, it seems like she doesn’t care as much,” she said.
While very disappointing for residents in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Roan’s absence took an even larger toll on those who traveled to see her. “I ran into some people from Philly who came down and they found out on their drive that she canceled. It’s really upsetting when that is one of the main people that you’re coming to see after investing so much time and money into it,” Bohley said.
Unfortunately, this incident seemed to be a blow to Chappell’s connection with her fans. Though she continues to rise up the charts, at the All Things Go festival, Chappell Roan was not Hot-to-Go.
