Dan Sultan puts shows on hold, apologises for performance

Melbourne singer-songwriter Dan Sultan has postponed a national tour following a sub-par performance in Queensland.

Melbourne singer and songwriter Dan Sultan.

Melbourne singer-songwriter Dan Sultan has announced the postponement of a national tour in support of his fourth album, Killer, following a sub-par performance in north Queensland at the weekend.

Sultan published a message on Facebook on Monday, apologising to those who attended his show at the Tanks Arts Centre in Cairns and offering refunds to those who felt shortchanged by a renowned artist who failed to deliver.

“My behaviour was inexcusable and disrespectful,” he wrote. “I am taking stock of my personal situation and am seeking professional help.”

One attendee, Justin Gordon, shared his displeasure on social media after the Cairns show.

“Just walked out of Dan Sultan’s gig. $40 to see the artist … fall off his stool, no voice, couldn’t play,” Mr Gordon wrote. “Major disappointment from an otherwise talented person.”

Yesterday, Sultan’s manager, Michael Parisi, issued a statement on Facebook confirming the postponement of the remaining dates.

“Dan’s health and wellbeing is our highest priority at this time and we thank you for your ­ongoing understanding and support,” the note read. “We hope to reschedule the postponed dates once Dan makes a full recovery.”

His 45-date solo tour in support of Killer — which debuted at No 5 on the ARIA albums chart, and included singles Hold It Together and Kingdom — was set to continue in Wagga Wagga on Friday, through to Port Hedland in late July. His management encouraged fans to hold on to tickets for rescheduled shows, or seek a ­refund from the point of purchase.

Since releasing his debut solo album, Homemade Biscuits, as a 22-year-old in 2006, Sultan has ­become known as one of the most electrifying figures in Australian rock music.

As well as charming festival crowds and winning ­numerous awards, Sultan also sang the melodic hook on January 26, a memorable 2016 track by hip-hop duo AB Original which challenged the ­decision to hold the national celebration of Australian identity on January 26.

Last month, Sultan released an EP named Killer Under A Blood Moon, which featured tracks from Killer reworked with guest vocalists including Meg Mac, Camp Cope, AB Original and Gang of Youths frontman Dave Le’aupepe.