D’Angelo fans anticipating just his second full concert since 2016 as part of next weekend’s annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia will have to wait a bit longer. The reclusive R&B artist has dropped out of the festival “due to a longer-than-expected surgical recovery.” He will be replaced by Maxwell at the May 31-June 1 event at the Mann in Philadelphia.
“Due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery I had earlier this year, I’ve been advised by my team of specialist[s] that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters,” D’Angelo wrote on Instagram. “It is nearly impossible to express how disappointed I am not to be able to play with my brothers the Roots. And even more disappointed not to see all of you.”
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“I’m so thankful to my beautiful fans for continuing to rock with me and I thank you for your continued support,” he added. “I’m currently in the lab and I can’t wait to serve up what’s in the pot.”
D’Angelo has a long association with the Roots and their drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, who was instrumental in coaxing him to release the 2014 album Black Messiah after a nearly 15-year hiatus.
D’Angelo’s only on-stage appearances since concluding promo work behind Black Messiah have been at a 2021 Verzuz show at New York’s Apollo Theater and at that year’s Tribeca Film Festival, plus an April 2022 cameo with Questlove and Raphael Saadiq while covering Sly & the Family Stone’s “Babies Makin’ Babies” during the Netflix Is a Joke festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Saadiq told Rolling Stone last September that D’Angelo was actively working on new music, but nothing has come to light beyond “I Want You Forever,” his Jay-Z-assisted contribution to last year’s The Book of Clarence soundtrack.
Beyond D’Angelo, the Roots Picnic will also feature Lenny Kravitz, Meek Mill, GloRilla, Miguel, Tems, Kaytranada, Jeezy, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Musiq Soulchild, Backyard Band featuring CeeLoo Green and dance music icon Crystal Waters.
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