Drake White Halts Touring Schedule Amid On-Going Health Issues

After nearly collapsing on stage earlier this month, singer/songwriter Drake White is taking time off the road to focus on…

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

August 29, 2019

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2:10 pm

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Drake White; Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images

After nearly collapsing on stage earlier this month, singer/songwriter Drake White is taking time off the road to focus on his health.

White’s team shared an update with fans via White’s social accounts Thursday, revealing that he plans to take an indefinite amount of time off the road.

The news comes just days after White revealed that he was diagnosed with a brain condition known as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). According to the Mayo Clinic, an AVM is described as a “tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain.”

“We wanted to let you know, Drake is taking time to rest and recover due to residual effects of the AVM,” his team wrote. “He is in the best hands possible and is going to take a break from touring for a while, in order to make a full recovery and get back to 100%. Please continue to keep the prayers and good vibes coming for our warrior.”

In a recent interview with People, White revealed that he has been visiting his doctor regularly to undergo embolization procedures in an effort to cut off the blood flow to a number of vessels in his brain. His last procedure was just four days before his on-stage scare.

White says his neurosurgeon, Dr. Robert Mericle, believes they have “knocked out 75% of the mass” to date. They hope to have the mass completely wiped out by the end of 2019.

This battle with AVM has left Drake White a changed man.

“My attitude is better. From the moment I found out, I refused to see it as a problem. Rather, I chose to let it inspire me and help others. I have to think I’ve been going through all of this for a reason,” White shared. “Everyone is going through something. You have to treat every person like it could be their last day. Not to be all sunshine and rainbows, but all of this made me appreciate all that I have and all that is to come.”

Fans can continue to keep up with Drake White and all the updates regarding his health and touring schedule via Instagram.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.