Sam Smith cancels Glasgow and Birmingham shows after ‘vocal cord injury’

Sam Smith has said they are cancelling their concerts in Glasgow and Birmingham due to a “vocal cord injury”.

The 31-year-old singer, who uses they/them pronouns and is non-binary, was forced to end their Manchester AO Arena show on Wednesday after the fourth song.

The tour, which is in support of their fourth studio album, Gloria, was set to play Ovo Hydro in Glasgow on Thursday and Resorts World Arena in Birmingham on Saturday.

The dates had been rescheduled in April by Smith due to illness.

In an Instagram story to Smith’s account on Thursday, a statement said: “Due to vocal issues during last night’s Manchester performance, regrettably we will be cancelling the rescheduled Birmingham and Glasgow Sam Smith shows.” It added that refunds will be given for all three dates.

A spokesperson for the singer said: “Doctors have advised due to a vocal cord injury, Sam must have complete vocal rest.

“Sam is heartbroken to have had to cancel these shows but they have been told by doctors that if they keep singing, they will do permanent damage to their voice.

“If they take some rest they will be able to perform again.”

Smith, who has had eight UK No1 singles including Unholy and Too Good at Goodbyes, has a series of festival dates in places such as Poland, Switzerland, Portugal and Latvia over June and July.

Prior to the Manchester concert, the singer teased a “surprise” at the Manchester AO Arena, which appeared to suggest that the 64-year-old singer-songwriter Madonna would be joining them on stage.