Noughties pop icon is unrecognisable as she cancels upcoming shows and says she needs ‘time to rest and heal’
POP heroine Roisin Murphy has apologised to fans after cancelling two gigs.
The singer, who fronted chart-topping act Moloko in the late 90s and early noughties, told fans she is having to rest after doctors discovered a non-cancerous abscess in her breast.
In a video shared on Instagram, makeup-free Roisin, 51, wore a plain oversized shirt and stylish black-rimmed glasses – a departure from her vibrant, disco-themed stagewear.
She said: “Just want to say how terribly sorry I am. I’m going to have to cancel a couple of gigs. I’m cancelling All Together Now this weekend in Ireland and a show that’s scheduled for Tuesday in Croatia.
“I’m extremely sorry to anyone who follows me, anyone who is my fan knows how much I love doing what I do, love to perform and love to be there with you.
“This is horrifying for me. Absolutely desperately sorry.”
The honest pop star then shared details of her health scare.
“I have an abscess in my breast,” she said. “It’s not cancer thank God but it’s a very tricky thing and it’s not healing as it should yet. I’ve just seen a consultant today in London who has told me I need to get as much rest as possible in the next two to three weeks in the hopes of avoiding an operation.
“So incredibly sorry to have to announce that due to illness I have to cancel my shows in Ireland and Croatia over the weekend and next week. I need time and rest to heal. I love you all so, so much, please stay with me. I’ll be back!”
Her fans appreciated the candid video clip and sent their well-wishes and support.
One person commented: You absolute star for sharing this. I had breast cancer and it’s important we share our experiences good and bad for the benefit of others, especially young women. I’m glad you are negative and wish you a speedy recovery.”
Another said: “Your health comes first.”
A third posted: “Get well soon baby and don’t be sorry we love you.”
Roisin was thrust into the spotlight away from her music last year after entering the discourse on the treatment of transgender children and the use of puberty blockers.
She posted on social media: “But puberty blockers ARE F**KED, absolutely desolate, big Pharma laughing all the way to the bank.”
The comments were met with a backlash from some activists and her edition of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Artist Collection series was subsequently shelved.
She expressed regret at her words, writing that she “should’ve known too that I was stepping out of line”.
More recently she was in reflective mood in an interview with The Guardian as she gave her opinions on different aspects of society, culture and herself.
One notable takeaway was her view on modern day hedonism.
She said: “I think our culture is too hedonistic. People really party now, it’s not like it was in the 90s, going out once in a while.
“The dance scene in the 80s and 90s was so wonderful, but I always thought that pure hedonism was a dead end. I was never interested in that. I was interested in adventure.”
The singer is perhaps best known for her Moloko hits Sing it Back and The Time is Now, though she has a critically acclaimed body of work as a solo artist.
Roisin has released six solo albums, the latest of which was last year’s Hit Parade Tour.