Matt Rife has hit pause on his stand-up comedy tour, cancelling and rescheduling some of his upcoming shows after he nearly collapsed because of severe exhaustion.
- Jun 1, 2024
AceShowbiz - Comedian Matt Rife has halted his ProbleMATTic World Tour after encountering severe exhaustion. While en route to perform two sold-out shows at the University of Indiana, Rife nearly fainted, prompting his medical team to advise immediate rest. This led to the rescheduling of his shows at Indiana University, as well as postponements of subsequent performances in Nashville and Chicago.
"INDIANA: I'm so (expletive) sorry, but due to a last minute medical emergency I have to reschedule our shows tonight (again)," Rife, 28, wrote in a statement via Instagram Stories and X. "I've been doing 40+ shows a month for a year and [a] half and never had to do something like this. I'm so sorry, I hope you understand and I love you so much."
The comedian's message highlights his regret over the situation and a newfound appreciation for the importance of health.
Ticket holders for the Indiana University shows will receive full refunds, as announced by the IU Auditorium on social media. This is the second instance when Rife had to reschedule these particular shows; the initial February 14 performance dates were postponed to May due to scheduling conflicts.
This medical setback has also affected Rife's performances at Chicago Theatre and Tennessee's Ryman Auditorium. The Chicago Theatre shows have been pushed to the end of December, with tickets now valid for December 26-27 and 29-30. The dates for Ryman Auditorium will be announced in the future. As Rife's tour spans over 100 dates internationally, he is set to resume his performances in Memphis on June 12.
Rife's latest Netflix comedy special, "Natural Selection," faced backlash for controversial jokes, particularly one involving domestic violence. Despite criticism, Rife has maintained his stance on comedic freedom, stating, "I don't really adhere to this whole sensitivity rumor in the comedy world that you can't say anything anymore." Following the backlash, he issued a humorous yet defiant response.
Overall, this incident underscores the heavy toll of relentless touring on artists. Rife's decision to prioritize his health serves as a reminder that even entertainers must sometimes step back and recuperate.
