D’Angelo has canceled his ‘comeback’ performance at the 2025 Roots Picnic, set to take place May 31 and June 1 at The Mann in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Replacing D’Angelo on the bill is Maxwell. The headlining slot was supposed to be D’Angelo’s first public performance to an audience in nearly a decade. The 17th annual Roots Picnic includes headliners Meek Mill and Lenny Kravitz, with other performers including GloRilla, Miguel, Tems, Latto, Kaytranada, and Jeezy.

In a statement posted to the festival’s social media, D’Angelo 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. The festival shared in the post’s caption: “Due to a longer-than-expected surgical recovery, @thedangelo won’t be able to join us at Roots Picnic this year. We’re sending love and keeping him in our thoughts as he continues to heal!” 

D’Angelo’s statement read: “It is with the deepest of regrets that I must cancel my performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia next weekend. But, due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery I 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 I’mm not to be able to play with my Brothers “The Roots”. And even more disappointed not to see all of You. I’m so thankful to my beautiful fans for continuing to rock with me and I Thank u for your continued support. I’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”

D’Angelo has not played live since 2022, when he performed at the ‘Netflix Is a Joke’ festival. His last album was 2014’s Black Messiah.

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