American rapper and singer Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, has publicly revealed the intense mental and physical health crisis he experienced during his recent concert tour across Australia.
A Musician 'Falling Apart' Far From Home
The 40-year-old musician, who resides in Tennessee with his wife Bunnie Xo, confessed during an appearance on the No Filter with Kate Langbroek podcast that he reached his breaking point while performing six shows in Australia throughout October and November. 'I'm falling apart. It's a horrible week. I'm doing the worst mentally I've done in a long time,' the artist emotionally disclosed.
Jelly Roll explained that the combination of a demanding travel schedule and being far from his family took a severe toll. 'I'm really far from home, and it's really hitting me that I'm really far from home, like in an anxious way… I'm not having fun, and I want to go home,' he told the podcast host.
Physical Illness and Isolation Take Their Toll
The artist's physical health deteriorated alongside his mental state, with the travel schedule severely affecting him. He stated that it 'f***ed my stomach up' and noted that 'when my stomach's not right, nothing's right.' This physical illness created a domino effect, further worsening his mental health and ultimately leading to the cancellation of his final scheduled performance in Auckland, New Zealand on November 9.
Compounding the issue was the profound sense of isolation he felt between shows. 'I'm spending a lot of time in my hotel room by myself, just in my head. I don't like it. I miss my family a ton,' Jelly Roll admitted, highlighting the loneliness that can accompany international touring for artists.
Controversy and Public Scrutiny
The tour was further marred by a separate incident where Jelly Roll claimed he was 'treated like a criminal' at a Louis Vuitton store in Sydney's CBD. Photographed in his signature sweats and a backwards baseball cap, the heavily tattooed musician expressed his anger at the alleged treatment, comparing it to when he was an 'actual criminal.'
The incident sparked significant debate on social media. Many critics suggested his extensive facial tattoos were the reason for the scrutiny, with one commenter stating, 'Yeah face tatts imagine that. Meant to be intimidating and are.' However, loyal fans defended the artist, arguing that he shouldn't be judged on his appearance alone, with one supporter writing, 'They're judging him by his face tats! He's a really good dude tho!'
Despite performing to screaming fans, Jelly Roll's Australian tour ultimately became a stark reminder of the immense pressures faced by touring artists, where gruelling schedules and distance from home can create a perfect storm for a mental health crisis.
