Unexpected Pause: The Smile Cancels Tour Due to Jonny Greenwood's Health

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The Smile, a supergroup featuring Radiohead's Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and drummer Tom Skinner, has sadly had to pull the plug on their current tour. This news dropped like a bombshell on their social media pages this past Friday. The culprit? A serious infection that sent Greenwood to the hospital earlier this week.

Here’s the lowdown: “A few days ago, Jonny became seriously ill from an infection that needed emergency hospital treatment, some of it in intensive care," the band shared. It was touch and go for a while, but thankfully, Greenwood is now out of the woods and on the mend. He’s even heading home soon. However, the doctors have laid down the law – no engagements until Jonny has had ample time to fully recover.

Radiohead, ever the supportive bandmates, reposted The Smile's statement without any extra commentary. It’s clear they’re all rallying behind Jonny during this challenging time.

For fans who had snagged tickets to the now-canceled shows, refunds are in the works. Just reach out to your ticket provider, and they’ll sort you out. The band made sure to express their heartfelt gratitude and well-wishes for Jonny’s swift recovery.

If you’re wondering about the specifics of Greenwood’s condition or the type of infection he battled, you’re not alone. The band has chosen to keep those details under wraps, and for now, we’ll respect their privacy on this sensitive matter.

This sudden halt comes after The Smile had kicked off their summer tour in June with an energetic performance at the Northside Festival in Denmark. They were supposed to be on the road until August 30, wrapping things up at the Meo Kalorama Festival in Lisbon, Portugal. Fans were eagerly anticipating each stop, and it’s a major bummer that the tour had to end this way.

For a bit of background, The Smile released their debut album, "A Light for Attracting Attention," in May 2022. It was a hit, but their latest album, "Wall of Eyes," released in 2024, really turned heads, peaking at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top Alternative Albums chart. The band’s unique blend of art rock has carved out a special niche, and their live performances are nothing short of electrifying.

This tour was set to be a celebration of their latest work and a chance for fans to experience their music in a whole new light. The disappointment is palpable, but the priority right now is Jonny’s health. The band’s decision to cancel the tour underscores how serious his condition was.

In light of this, it’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from fans across social media. The love and well-wishes for Jonny’s recovery are flooding in, showing just how much this band means to so many people.

For now, let’s keep Jonny in our thoughts and hope for a speedy recovery. The music will always be there, and we can look forward to seeing The Smile back on stage when the time is right. Their health and well-being come first, and when they’re ready to return, the fans will be there, cheering louder than ever.

Stay tuned to The Smile’s social media for any updates. They’ve been great about keeping everyone in the loop, and as soon as there’s news on Jonny’s recovery and any future plans, you’ll hear it there first.

In the meantime, maybe this is a good opportunity to dive back into their discography. Revisit "A Light for Attracting Attention" and "Wall of Eyes," and appreciate the artistry and passion that The Smile brings to their music. It’s a testament to their talent that even in moments of crisis, their work continues to inspire and connect people.

Here’s to hoping for brighter days ahead and seeing The Smile back in action soon. Until then, let’s all send some positive vibes Jonny’s way and look forward to the day when the music plays on.