Stephen Sanchez: US-based singer apologises for cancelling Aus tour ‘without explanation’, almost quits music

Mexican-American singer Stephen Sanchez has sensationally axed his upcoming Australian and New Zealand tour, apologising to fans for doing so “without explanation” and admitting he almost quit music altogether.

The Nashville-based musician — behind hits Until I Found You and High — was scheduled to perform in five Aussie cities this July, concluding his jaunt at Perth’s Ice Cream Factory precinct on July 28.

In an extended statement shared to social media on Monday, Sanchez, 23, called out the modern music’s “influencer” culture and lamented the “negative energy” that led him to burnout.

“I’m sitting in an airport trying to express feelings that need so much context and so much detail for everyone to understand in full. I realise some of you might not,” he began.

“The cancellation of the NZ/AU Tour without explanation has left some of you with questions and I imagine some frustrated feelings as well. I know many of you had hotels and flights booked. I’m truly sorry for that. I imagine the frustration and confusion will continue, as the unannounced US tour will also not be happening this year.”

Sanchez said he dedicated much of 2025 to working on his album LOVE, LOVE, LOVE which was released May 8 of this year.

He said the cumbersome process filled him with emotions that destroyed his passion towards his music.

“In short, what felt like never ending conflict, stress, anxiety, and overall deeply negative energy surrounding the process and lead up to this album’s release absolutely ruined this music for me,” Sanchez said.

“It affected me so much that I wanted to quit making music all together. Instead, I went on to do the EU/UK tour because I thought it would change my feelings towards this album, it unfortunately did not. This is not your fault in the slightest. You did nothing wrong and I thank you for wanting me to be in your city.”

He said returning home to spend time with loved ones offered him the time to re-ignite his purpose and passion for making music, instead of trying to appease those around him.

Sanchez then took a shot at the quality of pop music being released during his time on his record last year, and claimed he was “discouraged” because it lacked substance.

“Music that people were somehow getting bought into everyday. Disgusting, heavily pornographic lyrics, nothing driving people to do anything, to see anything different in a way that helps others along. So much of it felt dividing or shallow or filled with lust, not love. ‘But it’s catchy’,” he said.

Sanchez said he had become “depressed” as an artist by how social media had become an integral cog in the music industry wheel and that pressure to “go viral” or become a “musical influencer” was blurring his creativity.

“I’m so sick of that. I’m done with that. I’m going to make the art that I want to make and promote it in a way that feels restful for me. I will come back when I feel that I’ve created that space for myself. Until then, I love you guys. See you soon,” the singer signed off.

The 50s-inspired artist had previously toured Australia in both 2023 and 2024.

Closing comments on his Instagram announcement to fans, he let them speak freely on Facebook where feedback was largely empathetic.

“Thank you for being honest. Behind all the glitter, you are still a human being with needs. You deserve to love the art you create just as much as we do. You are a rare one, so please never change, even if it means you never make music again,” one fan said.

“I feel this 100 per cent! I hope one day you’ll make the music that makes you happy and people will finally praise the people who deserve it. The fact that we even have to be influencers now to promote our art sucks!” another added.

One fan applauded Sanchez’s boldness in pulling the plug, declaring it “takes guts to walk away if your heart’s not in it”.

Others thanked the singer for being “vulnerable” and “honest”, imploring him to take the appropriate time to heal.