D’Angelo Cancels Headlining Roots Picnic Performance to Recover From Surgery

D’Angelo will no longer be headlining the 2025 Roots Picnic, he announced in a statement shared on the festival’s social media pages on Friday. The singer said there has been “an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery [he] had earlier this year,” and he’s been advised that the performance “could further complicate matters” as he recovers. See D’Angelo’s statement on the cancellation below.

The Roots Picnic takes place on May 31 and June 1 in Philadelphia. Replacing D’Angelo on the bill is Maxwell.

D’Angelo has not played live since 2022, when he dropped by the Netflix Is a Joke festival for a surprise performance. Before that, he played a big show at the Apollo Theater in February 2021. He’s not released an album since 2014’s Black Messiah.

D’Angelo:

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, @ve been advised by my team of specialist that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters.

It is nearly impossible to express how disappointed @m not to be able to play with my Brothers “The Roots”. And even more disappointed not to see all of You.

@m so thankful to my beautiful fans for continuing to rock with me and @Thank u for your continued support.

@m currently in the Lab & can’t wait to serve Up what’s in the Pot! LOVE U All and will see you very soon!

With Love,
~D’Angelo