Fans are expressing deep concern for Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst after he exhibited worrisome behavior onstage during a recent string of shows.
In particular, fan footage from the band’s Sunday, September 15 show in Cleveland, Ohio, shows Oberst, 44, appearing to slur his words on stage as he talks to the audience. At one point, he paused a song and told both the crowd and his bandmates that he couldn’t remember part of the verse.
During another troubling moment, Oberst apologized to the crowd for his “voice being so f***ed up,” saying he was going “kill myself” because of it. The remark prompted one of his bandmates to immediately whisper something to him. in response, Oberst, still appearing to slur his words, told the crowd, “Apparently, I’m not supposed to say that on stage … a.k.a I’m not going to kill myself.”
Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes performs at Electric Picnic 2022 at Stradbally Hall Estate on September 02, 2022 in Dublin, Ireland. Two years later, in September 2024, the singer caused great concern among fans after displaying worrisome behavior onstage.
Debbie Hickey/Getty Images
“I’m worried about Conor Oberst,” one person wrote via X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Man, that Conor Oberst video is f***ing rough,” another user shared. “Feels like we’re watching something awful occuring in real time.”
“This thing with Conor Oberst is so, so sad. I hope he gets the help he needs,” another person tweeted. “Jesus.”
The band has since canceled three of their upcoming concerts — citing Oberst losing his voice as the reason for the cancellation.
“We’re heartbroken to announce that our upcoming record release shows have been canceled,” Bright Eyes — whose new album, Five Dice, All Threes, comes out on Friday — announced on instagram Tuesday, September 18. “The warm up shows we played earlier this week resulted in Conor losing his voice and, on the advice of doctors, we’ve made the difficult but sensible decision to prioritize rest and recuperation for the remainder of the month.”
While fans have been particularly concerned about Oberst in light of the band’s recent shows, others have chimed in to say he’s been exhibiting similar worrisome behavior for years, if not decades.
“I saw him about 21 years ago and his bandmates had to literally prop him up. It was awful,” one person claimed on X.
“I saw them live two years ago and he was in an awful way,” another X user shared. “it really made me worried for him, hope he gets the help he needs, such a talented guy.”
While fans have speculated about the cause of Oberst’s onstage antics, neither Oberst nor the band have made any statement other than the one about his voice being shot.
Overall, Bright Eyes’ fan base wants nothing more than to see their favorite singer feel well again.
“I hope his team cancels the rest of the Bright Eyes tour so Conor Oberst can get the help he very clearly needs,” one supporter penned.
“Conor Oberst is a very talented guy and I hope he can work through whatever’s going on,” shared another.
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or struggling with mental health issues, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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