Lauryn Hill blames media for poor ticket sales. U.S. shows for Fugees reunion canceled
It's the media's fault.
After poor ticket sales, Lauryn Hill blamed the media for the cancellation of the U.S. portion of her reunion tour with the Fugees, which included a Saturday, Sept. 21, show at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.
“Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows,” said Hill in an Aug. 7 Instagram post. “Regrettably, some media outlet’s penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour. The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal.”
“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour” was scheduled for last fall. After a triumphant homecoming concert Oct. 17 at the Prudential Center in Newark, the rest of the shows were canceled. The upcoming U.S. tour was canceled on Aug. 6. Refund instructions have been sent to ticketholders.
Released in August 1998, “Miseducation,” a rap/sung hybrid, became a phenomenon on the strength of the singles “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Everything is Everything.” It won five Grammy Awards in 1999, including Album of the Year.
“The audiences in the UK and Europe not only haven’t seen the Miseducation Anniversary performance yet, they also haven’t seen the Fugees perform together in over 25 years!” said Hill. “Performing for my fans is a profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time. Every show is a piece of my expression and testament to our connection and shared love of music. I can assure you that no one is more disappointed about not being able to perform than I am.”
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The October 2023 show in Newark featured a live band, a 10-piece string section, backing singers, a horn section, a high school marching band, a giant video screen — and a Fugees reunion when Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel joined Hill on stage for an extended set in the latter part of the show.
“A lot of people did not believe this would happen, including some of the people on this stage,” quipped Hill mid-set.
In June of 2023, Hill headlined the Roots Picnic festival in Philadelphia, and Jean and Pras joined her on stage, reuniting as the Fugees for the first time since 2021.
Pras is awaiting sentencing after he was found guilty of 10 criminal counts in federal court in a plot to help China influence U.S. government officials. The counts include conspiracy to defraud the U.S., witness tampering, and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.
“Know that I am not only grateful for those who appreciate and support my art, but that I FIGHT and push through all kinds of resistance to put together experiences that mean something for all of us. I love being able to bring these performances to you!,” added Hill, a South Orange native. “I appreciate your understanding. We’re looking forward to performing at the shows in the UK and Europe in October — and for our fans in North America, when these unforeseen circumstances are resolved, we’ll be back in full force.”
Shows in Europe begin with a concert on Monday, Oct. 7, in Dublin.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Lauryn Hill blames media for Fugees reunion poor ticket sales
