Country Star Hardy's Heart-Wrenching Battle: How a 2022 Bus Accident Unleashed Serious Anxiety

Hardy. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Country singer Hardy has decided to take a hiatus from his tour due to mental health issues that have resulted in hospitalization. In an Instagram statement on Tuesday, October 3, the 33-year-old musician shared his struggle with anxiety, which has greatly affected his life over the past two weeks. Hardy has experienced numerous panic attacks that have led him to seek medical attention. For the time being, he intends to prioritize his well-being in order to support his wife, family, and fans.

Hardy, whose full name is Michael Hardy, has announced the cancellation of his upcoming shows on the "the mockingbird & THE CROW" tour. The affected shows, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 5, and Saturday, October 7, will not take place. In his statement, Hardy informed fans that refunds for these two shows will be available from the point of purchase. Additionally, the Georgia Rodeo show has been rescheduled for April 12th, 2024. He advised ticket holders to retain their tickets as they will remain valid for the new date in 2024. Hardy concluded his message by expressing his intention to return and focus on October 12th, thanking his fans for their understanding and promising to see them soon.

One year has passed since the tour bus carrying Hardy veered off the road and overturned in Bristol, Tennessee. Although the driver was safely buckled up, Hardy and the other passengers were not, resulting in their hospitalization for injuries.

Shortly after the accident, Hardy took to Instagram to discuss the crash, stating, "There were only four of us, including myself, on the bus, but we all sustained substantial injuries. Our friend and bus driver, who is still in the hospital, is in need of your prayers."

He went on to say, "Please pray for our road family, and I assure you that I will provide regular updates in the coming days. May God bless our medics and local state officials for their swift response and exceptional service."

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Several country artists expressed their concerns and support for the "Wait in the Truck" singer during that time. Luke Combs commented on Hardy's post, saying, "Damn, buddy, that's terrifying. I hope you and your team recover soon." Miranda Lambert also sent her prayers with a blue heart emoji.

Hardy began his "the mockingbird & THE CROW" tour in August. The tour will cover various locations in the United States and Canada until August 2024, as stated on the official tour website.

Bruce Springsteen, a native of Mississippi, is the most recent addition to the list of music stars who have canceled or rescheduled upcoming performances due to health concerns. Following the cancellation of all September tour dates, Springsteen has decided to postpone the rest of his 2023 shows as he recuperates from peptic ulcer disease.

In addition to Springsteen, Guns N' Roses and The Chicks have also delayed tour dates due to undisclosed illnesses, and Hayley Williams, the lead singer of Paramore, announced in August that she would be unable to continue the band's 2023 tour due to her ongoing lung infection.