It’s great to see HARDY back out on the stage.
Last week, the genre-crossing country music artist took to his social media accounts to announce that he would have to postpone his October 5th and 7th shows because he was battling with crippling anxiety attacks.
The challenging mental health issues stem from a tour bus wreck that HARDY and some of his team experienced last year when his bus ran off the road and flipped into the woods at 70 miles per hour.
He posted a message announcing the cancellations last week, saying:
“I need to be honest with everyone for a second. I’ve been dealing with some serious anxiety since the bus accident last year and over the last two weeks, it has taken total control of my life.
It’s caused me to suffer many panic attacks which have landed me in the hospital. I need a moment to focus on me and to make myself better for my wife, family and you, the fans.
Unfortunately, I will need to cancel the two ‘the mockingbird & THE CROW’ fall tour shows on October 5th and 7th.”
HARDY’s fans were extremely understanding of the situation, and basically told the country star to take all the time he needed in order to get help for the panic attacks that had landed him in the hospital.
And he didn’t take too long to “get back on the horse,” because he was back on stage yesterday to sing his rocking, high-energy country songs to his raucous and loyal fans.
HARDY looked to be comfortable after the brief break from performing, and was content enough to share how he was feeling with fans that were there in attendance:
“I’m going to try to get through this next thing without crying, holy shit. First and foremost, I want to let everybody know that I’m okay.
I’m dealing with some stuff right now and I really hate that I had to do what I had to do last week and cancel shows, but it’s something that I had to do for myself and if you know me, you know how hard that was for me too because I like to work.”
As he choked up, fans started cheering louder and louder, with someone even shouting “you got this brother.” Hardy clearly appreciated the support, and after taking a moment to gather himself, he continued:
“I’ve experienced more love and positive words, positive vibes, prayers, thoughts from y’all in the past two weeks than I have ever experienced in my life and with something like anxiety and depression, people are embarrassed about it and I don’t know why because it’s real and it sucks and it’s terrifying.
And if anybody in this room has ever truly been through that, I know for a fact that you would agree with me because it’s a very real thing.”
HARDY’s positive words about mental health comes just days after World Mental Health Day, which took place on October 10th.
The nonsensical stigma around mental health struggles has slowly dissipated in recent years, and it’s thanks to artists like HARDY for speaking out on their own issues.
He concluded by saying:
“I want you guys to know that I’m okay and I’m going to be okay and I’ve been experiencing a lot of anxiety on stage, off the stage…
I’m actually having a great time tonight by the way. I’m not going to lie I was really nervous before I walked on the stage and it might hit me some before the show is over.
But as soon as I got on this stage, something in my brain said this is what you’re meant to do and you’re meant to be here tonight and just relax and put on a show.”
Hell yes…
I think I can speak for all country music fans and say that we’re all grateful for HARDY and his work, and he should do whatever is necessary for his well-being so he can continue to make and play kick-ass music.
Hardy shared the video of his message to the crowd on his Instagram story earlier today with the caption:
“I can’t thank you guys enough for the love you’ve sent my way the past couple weeks.
I had a great show last night and I’m on my way to getting back to center. Love y’all.”
