Singer Patti LaBelle weeps on stage

Times Leader/AP ^ | 3/27/2006

[Born Conservative]

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. - Rhythm-and-blues diva Patti LaBelle struggled through a weekend show after taking the stage at midnight, at one point sitting down and crying.

"I've never been this embarrassed in my life," LaBelle told the crowd Saturday at the Riviera Beach Jazz and Blues Festival. "This sucks. It's the worst show I've ever done in my life."

As temperatures dipped into the low 50s, LaBelle explained that she's nearly 62 and has diabetes and a heart murmur, and the cold weather simply wasn't agreeing with her.

The Grammy-winning singer tried to belt out a few notes, then told fans huddled under blankets that she understood if they walked out on her.

A steady stream of people left the show during her 45 minutes on stage after having waited hours through opening acts.

"I've never ever given you less than I can give. I'm gonna give you everything you deserve," she said. LaBelle struggled through "Lady Marmalade" with assistance from a few in the crowd, sang some gospel songs and "On My Own" before retreating.

[JennysCool]

Dang. Sounds like she needs some R & R.

[toddlintown]

Bobby Brownitis?

[butternut_squash_bisque]

Sad. I remember her in her prime, and she was very good. Time takes it's heavy toll on everyone.

[Onelifetogive]

That strikes me as real character. Too many in the entertainment industry would simply walk off stage and have their flunkies provide pathetic excuses to the crowd.

[orionblamblam]

Sometimes, things are rough. And when a performer realizes that they suck... appologizing onstage and showing heartfelt sorrow is certainly not dishonorable. Too many woudl simply storm off and blame things on the audience, their manager, the arrangement of the planets, the excessive number of brown M&Ms, whatever.

[bmwcyle]

She can't keep her body warm if her blood sugar is off. It is not easy being on the road and regulating blood sugar. Keep it light Freepers.

[freedumb2003]

She can't keep her body warm if her blood sugar is off. It is not easy being on the road and regulating blood sugar. Keep it light Freepers.

Diabetes can be very difficult to manage. Even using Metformin or Glucaphage can fail if there is a lot of stress (of any kind). I had to triple my dosage when I started cross-country commuting again (after having it totally under control when I had a local gig).

Yes, please be cool Freepers. I think she did the right thing by telling the audience she couldn't continue.

If you've not walked a mile in her shoes, don't knock her socks.

[bmwcyle]

You are so right. It is not easy to balance the blood sugar under stress.

[xarmydog]

Having been a guitar player for many years,The cold affects my fingers immensely.Having arthritis in my knuckle joints doesn't help either.Many gigs were a struggle to get through,and it has an effect on the music.She should be commended for being honest and stoic,unlike many of todays so called musicians who cant finish,or give a poor performance due to too many bad habits they cant put off till after the show.

[dandelion]

There comes a time when it's important to take care of yourself as well as you take care of everyone else... but I understand her wanting to try her best. I just think in this case Ms. LaBelle needed to sit it out, go take a warm cup of soup and sleep.

Audiences feel cheated, but I think a sick day off is better than a having a performer drop dead from exhaustion.

It's really hard when you're 62, sick, and cold. I hope Ms. LaBelle gets to feeling better so she can belt them out on a better day. Better days do come...

[bmwcyle]

I'll be 52 in June. I have held four tickets for shows that never happened. It is not the end of the world.

[bd476]

Thanks for posting this story, BornConservative. Patti LaBelle not only has an awe-inspiring voice, she is a consummate professional, and pours her heart into every performance.

Patti LaBelle has in the past also performed despite illness and on at least one occasion she was suffering from bleeding vocal chords and she sang anyway.

That's not a wise thing to do because bleeding nodes on vocal chords can cause scar tissue and eventual loss of voice. Yet it shows her great personal respect for her audiences.

And if you haven't heard Patti LaBelle sing "Oh Danny Boy" then you haven't heard the song, imo, of course. :-)


Photo/AP
"Danny Boy" may not be 100% Irish, but that hasn't stopped a wide range of singers, including Patti LaBelle, from answering its call. JS Online: Entertainment Music

[Galveston Grl]

Man, that must have been upsetting for her. Performing is a physical feat and her body is not cooperating.

[JJELY22]

Patti Labelle is a legend and I'm truly her best fan, but I really think she should retire or limit her concerts. I hate to say that and it hurts, but the last four concerts I went to she could not remember her words and/or she started crying.I don't know her financial position, but she cannot put 110% as she used to. I will always love her dearly though and tivo every tv appearance.