D’Angelo Withdraws from Roots Picnic Due to Surgical Recovery, Maxwell to Step In
R&B singer D’Angelo has pulled out of the upcoming Roots Picnic in Philadelphia due to complications from a recent surgery. Maxwell will replace him at the festival.
Fans of D’Angelo who were looking forward to seeing him perform at the annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia will have to wait. The R&B artist has withdrawn from the festival because of “a longer-than-expected surgical recovery.” Maxwell will now perform at the event, scheduled for May 31-June 1 at the Mann Center in Philadelphia.
D’Angelo shared the news on Instagram,stating,”Due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery I had earlier this year,I’ve been advised by my team of specialist[s] that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters.It is nearly impossible to express how disappointed I am not to be able to play with my brothers the Roots. And even more disappointed not to see all of you.”
He also expressed gratitude to his fans, saying, “I’m so thankful to my lovely fans for continuing to rock with me and I thank you for your continued support. I’m currently in the lab and I can’t wait to serve up what’s in the pot.”
D’Angelo has a longstanding relationship with the Roots and their drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, who played a key role in the release of his 2014 album black Messiah after a nearly 15-year break.
Since finishing promotional work for Black Messiah, D’Angelo has made only a few on-stage appearances, including a 2021 Verzuz show at New York’s apollo Theater, the Tribeca Film Festival that same year, and a guest spot with Questlove and Raphael Saadiq in April 2022, covering Sly & the Family Stone’s “Babies Makin’ Babies” at the Netflix Is a Joke festival at the Hollywood Bowl in los Angeles.
Saadiq revealed that D’Angelo had been actively working on new music,but so far,only “I Wont You Forever,” his collaboration with Jay-Z for The Book of Clarence soundtrack,has been released.
the Roots Picnic lineup includes Lenny Kravitz, Meek Mill, GloRilla, Miguel, Tems, Kaytranada, jeezy, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Musiq Soulchild, Backyard band featuring CeeLoo Green, and Crystal Waters.
“it is nearly impossible to express how disappointed I am not to be able to play with my brothers the Roots. And even more disappointed not to see all of you.”
