Just Before His Death, D'Angelo Canceled His First Major Concert in Almost 10 Years Due to Health Problems

Before having to cancel a major show, the late star endured tough times in his life, such as struggling with drugs and alcohol and surviving a car accident.

He was the voice of a generation — a sultry, honey-voiced musical genius, who was scheduled to perform at the 2025 Roots Picnic event along with fellow superstar artists before his recent tragic passing. However, D'Angelo had to cancel his appearance due to health issues.

A Dream Return to a Full Crowd Derailed by Health Concerns

The highly anticipated event, set to take place at The Mann in Fairmount Park from May 31 through June 1, 2025, was poised to welcome D'Angelo back to the main stage — a comeback that left fans both stunned and elated.

Sharing top billing with other names like Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, Kaytranada, Tems, and Glorilla, D'Angelo was slated to headline alongside The Roots, reigniting the magic of his soulful legacy after nearly a decade away from large-scale live performances.

While the acclaimed musician had taken part in other engagements — including a Verzuz appearance — the Roots Picnic would have marked his long-awaited return to a roaring, sold-out crowd.

News of D'Angelo's withdrawal came just days before the festival, following an official statement citing medical complications related to a surgery he had undergone earlier in the year. While specific details about the procedure were not disclosed, D'Angelo's care team reportedly advised against the performance, warning that it could have aggravated his ongoing recovery.

In the heartfelt announcement shared by Roots Picnic, the singer conveyed deep disappointment over missing the chance to reunite with The Roots and perform for fans, yet remained optimistic about returning to the stage in the future.

Alongside D'Angelo's words, the organization penned a message of support in their caption, "We're sending love and keeping him in our thoughts as he continues to heal!" Tragically, just months after pulling out of the Roots Picnic due to medical complications, the music world is now shaken by the news that D'Angelo has passed away.

A Secret Battle, and a Quiet Farewell

According to those close to his family, including his former manager Kedar Massenburg, the iconic singer died on the morning of October 14 in New York City, following a quiet but determined battle with pancreatic cancer — an illness he never publicly disclosed.

Reportedly, D'Angelo had been in treatment for several months, facing his final chapter with the same soul-stirring grace that defined his artistry.

The loss has reverberated deeply across the entertainment industry and among fans. Known for his raw talent, rich voice, and visionary approach to R&B, the Grammy-winning icon, who created hits such as "Brown Sugar," "Voodoo," and "Really Love," was more than just a performer — he was a cultural force.

A Grieving Family Suffers Two Losses in the Same Year

D'Angelo's family released a statement about the heartbreaking news, mourning his departure while expressing gratitude for the timeless music he has left behind.

"The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life," they wrote. "We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but [sic] invite you all to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world."

D'Angelo was 51 years old and is survived by a daughter and two sons, one of whom he shared with the late singer Angie Stone, who tragically passed away in a car crash this year. In the months leading up to his death, D'Angelo's health continued to decline behind closed doors.

Sources close to the family revealed that the singer had spent an extended period in the hospital and was moved to hospice care for two weeks. By his side through it all was his 27-year-old son, Michael Jr., the one he shared with the late R&B singer.

The loss is especially devastating for the young man, who tragically lost his mother a day after his birthday and now his father, just six months later.

In addition to the toll of cancer, D'Angelo quietly struggled with physical battles. "He battled with his weight. The chiseled machismo man that people fell in love with, that wasn't his natural aesthetic. He was naturally a bigger guy [sic]," explained a source.

Battles Beyond the Stage: Addiction, a Near-Fatal Car Crash, and the Industry's Abandonment

Long before his health began to deteriorate, D'Angelo faced a series of deeply personal battles that nearly derailed his career. At the height of his fame, he found himself entangled in cycles of substance abuse and emotional isolation — a dark contrast to the smooth, confident image he projected on stage.

While he continued creating music, behind closed doors, the growing pull of addiction, heavy partying, and personal demons began to chip away at his once unshakable momentum.

One particularly harrowing chapter came in the mid-2000s, when he survived a near-fatal car accident in Virginia after reportedly being ejected from his vehicle. The crash left him with multiple broken ribs and shattered not only his body but also the industry's faith in his return.

Recording deals fell through, professional relationships fractured, and even his own management distanced themselves. "I was in the studio, but I was also partying a lot. A little too much," D'Angelo once divulged.

In January 2005, the unraveling continued when a disheveled and visibly unwell D'Angelo was arrested in Richmond and charged with possession of drugs like marijuana and cocaine, as well as driving while intoxicated. The mugshot circulated widely, shocking fans and colleagues alike. It was a sobering moment that underscored just how far he had drifted from the spotlight, and from himself.

Following the incident, he received a three-year suspended sentence and entered rehab at the Pasadena Recovery Center. But even with the support of those who cared deeply for him, including longtime collaborators, the road to recovery proved winding and fragile.

However, D'Angelo eventually reached out to Gary Harris, who had first signed him, for help. "I was like, 'Yo, I need some help,'" the artist recalled.

The Legacy of a Legend: A Soul That Stirred the World

Despite these setbacks, D'Angelo remained a singular figure in music — a soul pioneer whose raw honesty, vulnerability, and unmatched sound resonated deeply with generations. His journey was never linear, but it was always real.

And while the world may mourn the loss of a legend, it also remembers a man who fought hard, rose often, and left behind a body of work that continues to stir hearts and move spirits.

At this time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael Jr., D'Angelo's second son, his daughter, and the rest of his family, friends, loved ones, community, and colleagues, as they mourn this significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear D'Angelo. The world will never sound the same again.