After announcing in early July that he would pause his world tour, the artist revealed on Wednesday that the Wonder World Tour has been put on hold to protect his health and well-being. The decision comes as Mendes explains the challenge of balancing a demanding career with his personal life, shared openly as part of his ongoing conversation with fans. He has long noted that his professional path began when he was just 15 years old, and he has consistently spoken about the hardships of touring away from family and friends. This reflection accompanied the tour postponement announced earlier in July.
“As you know, I had to postpone the shows in the last weeks because I wasn’t fully prepared to handle the costs and demands of getting back on the road,” Mendes stated in his social media updates. After a lengthy hiatus caused by the pandemic, there was excitement to perform live again. Yet he acknowledged the reality of the challenge: returning to touring after such a long break proved more difficult than anticipated. In consultation with his team and a capable group of professionals, and with considerations for his health, it became clear that stepping back was necessary. Consequently, the remaining North American and UK/Europe dates were canceled to allow time for healing and grounding—and to return stronger in the future.
“The plan was to continue during the remaining dates, but I must prioritize my health for now,” he added. “That doesn’t mean new music won’t come, and I look forward to the day I can reconnect with you on tour. I know many of you have waited a long time to see these performances, and it breaks my heart to share this news. I promise to return when I have given myself adequate time to heal. I love you all and appreciate every bit of support you’ve shown on this journey.”
The delay affected performances in Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao, which were originally scheduled for June 5, 9, and 11, 2023, respectively.
Return to professional life
During the break, Mendes chose to use the time to recharge and reconnect with his music in a more measured way, stepping back from the relentless pace of touring. “After several years away from constant touring, I felt it was appropriate to return, but the pace proved unsustainable and the pressure mounted,” he explained. The pause allowed him to reassess priorities and approach his career with renewed clarity.
In conversations with his team and upon guidance from medical professionals, he decided to postpone the tour temporarily. He emphasized the importance of attending to mental health and personal well-being before resuming any live performances. The singer stressed that this choice was about long-term sustainability rather than a retreat from his art.
Earlier discussions with a trusted advisor had hinted at the possibility of considering a different path. Mendes acknowledged that the risk of burnout was real and that the dedication and discipline required by the industry could take a toll. He admitted that he had once believed he could persevere through the strain, only to realize the toll it exacted when his own limits were reached. The experience underscored the need to regain balance and maintain control of his life and career, rather than letting external pressures dictate his direction.
Ultimately, the decision to pause and reassess was driven by a commitment to health, a commitment that fans widely respected. The singer remains hopeful about future projects and touring, with a clear intention to return when the time is right and when he can deliver performances that meet his own standards and the expectations of his audience.