Lorde Falls Ill in Melbourne Ahead of Perth Concert, Reveals Tour Health Struggles
Perth fans of New Zealand pop sensation Lorde have received a concerning health update from the singer just days before her scheduled performance at RAC Arena. The 29-year-old artist, currently on the Australian and New Zealand leg of her Ultrasound World Tour, has fallen ill and is bedridden in Melbourne following back-to-back performances in the Victorian capital.
Tour Demands Take Physical Toll on Performing Artist
Lorde launched the Australian and New Zealand segment of her Ultrasound World Tour in Auckland on February 11, with the Perth show on Wednesday night scheduled to conclude what has been an intense fortnight of performances. The demanding schedule of eight shows packed into two weeks has proven physically taxing for the performer, who addressed her condition through candid social media posts from her hotel bed on Monday evening.
"I'm a little sick in bed, but I just wanted to say how insane these shows have been the last two nights in Melbourne," Lorde told her fans while visibly drained but maintaining good spirits. "I was like, it's just crazy. I don't have the language to describe what it's like being part of this with you, and so sometimes I don't talk about it, but just know like that I'm having the greatest time ever, and I'm so grateful to you all for just showing up."
The 'David Walk' Connection to Regular Illness
The singer revealed she has become accustomed to feeling unwell while touring her fourth studio album, Virgin, explaining that she typically falls ill every two weeks during the Ultrasound tour. Lorde attributes this regular sickness to her famous 'David walk' - a customary pilgrimage into the crowd during performances of her biblically-inspired track David, which typically serves as the penultimate song in her setlist.
"During Ultrasound I get sick every two weeks... I think it's because of the 'David walk'," she continued in her social media update. "Do I have regrets? No I do not!"
This signature performance moment sees the singer flanked by scores of fans in the mosh pit as she parts through the crowd, often embracing onlookers and thereby exposing herself to new bacteria. Lorde illustrated this point in her posts with accompanying germ emojis, highlighting the health risks of such intimate crowd interaction.
Hydration Strategies and Tour Support
The star has implemented specific strategies to combat health challenges while touring Australia, particularly focusing on maintaining proper hydration in the summer conditions. "Summer Ultrasound is different, immediate suck down of fluids necessary," she added, emphasizing the importance of high fluid intake following performances.
Despite her current illness, Lorde remains scheduled to perform at RAC Arena on Wednesday night as planned. The Perth show will feature American singer and rapper Kevin Abstract as the supporting act, with doors opening at 6:30pm, Kevin Abstract taking the stage at 7:50pm, and Lorde's performance scheduled for 9:00pm.
The timing of this health revelation comes as Lorde prepares to conclude what has been described as a jam-packed campaign across Australia and New Zealand, with the Perth performance marking the final show of this intensive touring segment. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery as the singer prepares for what promises to be another high-energy performance despite the physical challenges she's currently facing.
