CO Down singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan has cancelled a major world tour after struggling with his mental health.
The Portaferry-born musician, who has become one of the biggest acts to come out of Northern Ireland in recent years, said he will still play dates in Belfast and Derry this year.
Writing on social media yesterday, he said he had decided to cancel his Redesign tour, which would have included dates in the Republic, UK, US, Canada, mainland Europe and Australia.
"Dear best fans in the world. It is with the heaviest of hearts that, with the exception to the Belfast show and the Derry show, I have decided to cancel the Redesign tour," he wrote.
"I'm heartbroken to have to do this, especially with the release of my debut album, but the truth is I've been struggling a lot lately with my mental health and after speaking to professionals and my incredibly supportive team, I have decided that the best thing for me to do right now is to take a step back from touring."
Ryan added: "Your support over these past years has been so incredible. You deserve nothing short of me at my very best and to do this tour right now would be less than that.
"The album is still on schedule to be released August 26. Please pre-save or pre-order it if you haven't yet so that when I'm feeling healthier, we can all sing it together in a city near you. Thank you for being here."
In the past year, Ryan has played two sold-out Belsonic shows at Ormeau Park alongside Dermot Kennedy, as well as two nights at the Waterfront Hall, and a sell-out Irish Tour.
His Redesign album is due to be released on August 26.
His show at Custom House Square in Belfast on August 27 and a gig at the Millennium Forum in Derry in November will still go ahead.
