Indie rock singer-songwriter Julien Baker and collaborator TORRES have canceled the remainder of their “Send a Prayer My Way” tour, with the news breaking just hours before their scheduled Sunday night performance at Stable Hall in San Antonio.
The joint statement, released on the morning of May 4, 2025, cited health concerns as the primary reason for the cancellation. “Due to recent events, Julien Baker is focusing on her wellness and taking time to prioritize her health,” read the announcement shared across both artists’ social media platforms.
The statement continued with an acknowledgment of fan disappointment: “This choice was not taken lightly, and we recognize the disappointment it may bring to our fans. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.”
The cancellation affects all remaining headlining dates on the spring tour, including upcoming shows at The Heights Theater in Houston on May 5 and Dallas’s Longhorn Ballroom on May 6. Ticket holders are being contacted directly about refund procedures.
Industry insiders suggest the cancellation may be connected to an incident that occurred earlier this spring. In March, the duo had previously canceled three shows when a “key member” of their touring team suffered a concussion. While never officially confirmed, speculation points to Baker herself as having been the injured party, with today’s announcement seemingly supporting this theory.
The now-canceled tour was meant to support Baker and TORRES’ collaborative country project also titled “Send A Prayer My Way,” which was released just last month on April 18. The album has been garnering positive reviews for its departure from both artists’ previous sonic landscapes, featuring standout tracks like “Sugar in the Tank” which has been climbing the AAA radio charts, recently reaching the #10 position.
Despite the cancellation of their headlining performances, fans will still have opportunities to see the duo perform later this year. According to their official website, Baker and TORRES are still scheduled to appear at nearly a dozen festivals across the United States beginning in late June, including Greenfield’s River Festival on June 20, Wisconsin’s Summerfest in late June, and Rhode Island’s prestigious Newport Folk Festival in July.
For Baker, health and wellness have long been themes both in her music and personal life. The 29-year-old Memphis native has been open about her past struggles with substance abuse and mental health in interviews and through her often raw, confessional lyrics. Her 2021 album “Little Oblivions” directly addressed some of these challenges, earning her first solo appearance in the Billboard Top 40.
Baker first gained critical acclaim with her 2015 debut “Sprained Ankle,” recorded while she was still a student at Middle Tennessee State University. She later signed with Matador Records and released her sophomore effort “Turn Out the Lights” in 2017 to further acclaim.
Beyond her solo work, Baker is also known as one-third of the supergroup Boygenius alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. The trio’s 2023 album “The Record” earned six Grammy nominations and three wins, including Best Alternative Music Album. The group announced a hiatus earlier this year in February.
The collaboration with TORRES (born Mackenzie Scott) marked a new direction for both artists. The “Send a Prayer My Way” project represented their first foray into country music territory, with both musicians drawing on their Southern roots. TORRES, known for her powerful vocals and emotionally charged performances, has released several critically acclaimed albums of her own, though this partnership with Baker has introduced both artists to new audiences.
Music industry experts note that tour cancellations, while disappointing, have become increasingly common as artists prioritize mental and physical health. “There’s been a significant shift in the industry toward acknowledging the toll that touring takes,” said music journalist Claire Davidson in a recent Rolling Stone feature on artist wellness. “The old ‘show must go on’ mentality is being replaced with a more sustainable approach.”
Fans have been largely supportive on social media, with many sending well wishes to Baker. “Your health comes first, always,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “We’ll be here when you’re ready to return.”
The duo’s management has indicated that while the headlining tour is canceled, they remain hopeful that Baker will be fully recovered in time for their festival appearances beginning with the Green River Festival on June 20. They’ve encouraged fans to follow Baker’s official website for updates on her health and future performance schedules.
This cancellation comes during what has otherwise been a productive creative period for Baker, who in late 2023 composed the opening theme to the television series “Orphan Black: Echoes” and performed with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. Earlier in 2024, she debuted new solo material including songs titled “Middle Children” and “High in the Basement,” suggesting that despite this health-related setback, new music from the artist may still be on the horizon.
For now, fans and colleagues alike are sending support to Baker as she takes the necessary time to focus on recovery and wellbeing.
