D’Angelo has cancelled his appearance at tomorrow’s Bill Withers tribute at Carnegie Hall, citing illness as the cause. The R&B star pulled out of the star-studded show last minute due to an unspecified ailment and “doctor’s orders.” He’ll also be forced to miss an appearance at Atlanta’s Afropunk Festival on Saturday.
Mr. Withers himself said in a statement, “Aw man, hope D’Angelo recovers quickly from whatever malady has befallen on him. I will miss his version of ‘Use Me.’ I was so looking forward to seeing him throw down with the super band that Greg Phillinganes put together for this event. Come on, D’Angelo! Get well, buddy!”
The evening, dubbed “Lean On Him,” will feature performances from Sheryl Crow, Aloe Blacc, Amos Lee, Michael McDonald, Keb’ Mo’, Gregory Porter, Kathy Mattea, Ledisi, Branford Marsalis, Jonathan Butler, Anthony Hamilton and more, plus a special appearance from Bill Withers himself. The concert will recreate Withers’ classic 1973 album Live at Carnegie Hall.
[Via NY Times / Photo by Erik Kabik]