[Update 5/23/25]: Enigmatic neo-soul hero D’Angelo has canceled his highly anticipated performance with The Roots at the 2025 edition of Roots Picnic for health-related reasons.
A note from D’Angelo published on the Roots Picnic social media on Friday afternoon reads, “It is with the deepest of regrets that @must cancel my performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia next weekend. But, due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery @had earlier this year, @ave been advised by my team of specialist that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters.
“It is nearly impossible to express how disappointed @am not to be able to play with my Brothers ‘The Roots’. And even nmore disappointed not to see all of You. @am so thankful to my beautiful fans for continuing to rock with me and @Thank u for your continued support.”
Per Setlist.fm, aside from a single-song appearance at Hollywood Bowl during Netflix Is A Joke Fest in 2022 and his guest-filled Verzuz livestream from the Apollo Theater in 2021, D’Angelo has not performed a proper live concert in more than nine years, when he rounded out his tour in support of his last LP, 2014’s acclaimed Black Messiah.
While news of the Roots Picnic performance’s cancellation is undoubtedly disappointing, D’Angelo did leave fans with a hint of good news: “@am currently in the Lab & can’t wait to serve Up what’s in the Pot! LOVE U All and will see you very soon.” The note is signed, “With Love, D’Angelo.”
In his place, Roots Picnic has added Maxwell to the lineup for “that once-in-a-lifetime, sing-it-from-your-chest, soul-stirring magic that only he can deliver.”
Read the message from D’Angelo below. Scroll down for information on the rest of the lineup for Roots Picnic 2025 in Philadelphia on May 31st and June 1st. Tickets are available here.
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[2/17/25]: Roots Picnic is set to return to Philadelphia on May 31st and June 1st, 2025 with a powerhouse lineup topped by D’Angelo (performing a full set in front of an audience for the first time in nine years) with The Roots, Lenny Kravitz, and Meek Mill.
Presented by Live Nation Urban and The Roots at The Mann Center in Fairmount Park, the festival will host a mix of R&B legends, hip-hop heavyweights, and rising stars, with additional performances from GloRilla, Miguel, Tems, Latto, and Kaytranada.
Related: Questlove-Directed Sly Stone Doc Ft. D’Angelo, André 3000, Chaka Khan Out Now [Watch]
Hip-hop fans can also look forward to a special J.Period Live Mixtape featuring Black Thought, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz, while R&B lovers will be treated to an exclusive set from Musiq Soulchild celebrating 25 years of Aijuswanaseing and Adam Blackstone featuring Jagged Edge. The Roots themselves will also commemorate the 30th anniversary of their seminal album Do You Want More?!!!??! with a special set.
Beyond the main stage, the festival will host an extensive day party lineup featuring fan-favorite experiences like Trap Karaoke, the Doo-Wop …That R&B Party, Girls Love Karaoke, the World Series of Spades, and more.
Related: Questlove Directs New ‘SNL’ Music Documentary, ‘Ladies & Gentlemen…’ [Watch]
Presale tickets for Roots Picnic 2025 will be available starting Tuesday, February 18th at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the general on-sale on Friday, February 21st. Head here for tickets and more information.
