Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“Mentally, I’m struggling more than I have in a long time.”
Jelly Roll recently completed a series of shows across Australia and New Zealand as part of his Down Under tour. While the trip allowed him to explore new places and connect with fresh fans, he revealed that it took a serious mental and physical toll.
On the No Filter podcast with Kate Langbroek, the country artist admitted that by the end of the run, he was eager to return home. Being so far from his family and familiar surroundings triggered high levels of anxiety.
“I’m struggling mentally more than I have in a long time,” he admitted candidly.
A significant challenge during the tour was loneliness. Jelly Roll explained that, without traveling by tour bus, he spent long stretches alone in hotel rooms—a situation he found especially difficult given that even in crowded rooms, he sometimes feels isolated.
“I don’t like being alone in my hotel room,” he shared. “I get stuck in my head. I’m not enjoying myself—I just want to be home.”
He added, “It’s always been a personal thing. I’ve done a lot of inner work, and now it’s about being comfortable with who I’m becoming and where I am in life.”
Physical discomfort also affected him during the tour. As someone with chronic stomach issues, Jelly Roll said long flights made him feel bloated and uneasy, which impacted his mental state throughout the trip.
“You spend the whole day worrying about your stomach, and it throws everything off,” he joked. “When my stomach’s unsettled, my mind isn’t right. I can’t think clearly because I’m focused on why my stomach feels this way.”
He noted that while breathing exercises and mental techniques usually help him find calm, sometimes the best remedy is simply returning home. “Everyone wants to go home when they’re sick,” he said.
Despite these struggles, Jelly Roll still delivered several energetic performances and engaged with fans in Australia and New Zealand. However, he had to cancel a final show in Auckland, New Zealand at the last minute due to illness. He posted a heartfelt message on Instagram explaining the situation:
“Dear Auckland, I’ve done everything I can. I just can’t shake it. It breaks my heart—I’ve probably missed three shows in the last decade. I pride myself on showing up no matter what. Just couldn’t do it this time. Please forgive me.”
Canceling a show is always difficult for Jelly Roll, who has consistently emphasized how much he values his fans. Having been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, he noted that performing generally brings him comfort, even if only temporarily.