A popular act set to take the stage at Glastonbury 2025 has pulled out of the festival, and cancelled all shows for the rest of the year, citing mental health reasons.
Bru-C has confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram post, telling fans: “This is a really difficult thing for me to post, and one I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to. I’m really sorry to announce I’m going to have to cancel all of my upcoming show commitments for 2025.”
The Nottingham-based rapper isn’t the only person who has been cancelling shows in recent weeks ahead of Glastonbury, with rock royalty Sir Rod Stewart also having to take breaks to prioritise his health.
The Maggie May singer revealed earlier this month that eight of his shows in the United States had to be cancelled or rescheduled due to his falling ill.
Sir Rod is still expected to perform on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm, with the Scottish pop sensation set to fill the coveted legends slot on Sunday afternoon.
Nottingham-born rapper, Bru-C, whose real name is Josh Bruce, has been a fixture on the UK music scene since releasing his first EP in 2015. He was scheduled to perform a high-energy set at Glastonbury’s Arcadia area.
Known for charting hits including No Excuses and two platinum-selling singles, Bru-C has earned a loyal following with his energetic style and raw lyricism.
“Many of you know I’ve been struggling with mental health issues for some time now,” he wrote. “I’ve tried my best to bury things and keep my life and career moving forward.
What I’ve been going through has got gradually worse over the last few years and I need to take another step back and try to get back to some kind of stable peace in my life.”
While acknowledging how difficult it was to cancel shows, he stressed that this break is essential. “The last thing I want to do is let people down, especially those who have spent hard-earned money to come and see me.
But I need to take this time to recover and get my life and health back on track.” The artist assured fans he’s “seeking the right help and support” and that his priority now is to “just be better”, though he admitted he doesn’t know when he’ll return.
Support poured in from across the UK music scene. Chart-topper Example wrote: “Take your time man. Focus on yourself. Mad respect for this post. Hopefully it helps others. Love ya.”
Manchester rapper Blizzard called the move “a massive step” and praised Bru-C’s self-awareness. DJ ShyFX added: “Wishing you the space and support to heal and recalibrate.”
