- Show more sharing options
Share
- Copy Link URLCopied!
Stand-up comedian Matt Rife is taking two weeks off during his world tour after “extreme exhaustion” led him to cancel a pair of Indiana performances just hours before showtime.
The 28-year-old comic — who rose to fame in 2023 for his crowd-work bits posted to TikTok and recently became the youngest comedian to headline (and sell out) the Hollywood Bowl — is midway through his sold-out ProbleMATTic World Tour — a 115-date run encompassing two years and three continents. When ticket sales went live last June, Ticketmaster crashed.
Stand-ups explain why it pays to sharpen crowd-work skills. ‘It keeps me on my toes’
Comedians Matt Rife, Trevor Wallace and Hannah Berner weigh in about the skill of interacting with fans in a live setting is more than just a magic skill, it’s a comedy muscle that sells tickets.
Feb. 27, 2024
Rife was slated to perform back-to-back shows Wednesday night at the Indiana University Auditorium in Bloomington, Ind. The venue that evening announced the cancellation of both shows on Instagram, citing an “unexpected medical emergency” and promising refunds within 30 days.
Advertisem*nt
Rife also apologized for backing out last-minute via his Instagram story.
“I’m so ... sorry, but due to a last minute medical emergency i have to reschedule our shows tonight (again),” Rife wrote. “I’ve been doing 40+ shows a month for a year and half and never had to do something like this, I’m so so sorry, i hope you understand and i love you so much.”
After Wednesday’s cancellations, ticket holders for Rife’s scheduled performances at Chicago Theater and the Ryman Auditorium received an email from the venues announcing their shows would also be postponed.
“On the way to a recent show in Indiana, Matt experienced extreme exhaustion symptoms and nearly fainted heading to the venue,” the email said. “Matt is currently under advisem*nt from his medical team to take immediate time off from touring for two weeks.”
The message assured showgoers that “future dates will not be affected” and said the comedian will resume his tour June 12 in Memphis. The Chicago Theater shows were moved to Dec. 26-30, with refunds available for those unable to attend. New dates for the Ryman Auditorium performances are pending.
Representatives for Rife did not reply immediately Friday to The Times’ request for comment.
L.A. stand-up specials stand out in a year of DIY comedy
2023 proved a banner year for stand-up fans, with the number of hourlong specials released clearing 200-plus. Why such record-breaking output?
Dec. 27, 2023
In April, Deadline reported that Rife had signed a two-special deal with Netflix after “Natural Selection,” his first special on the platform, became its most-viewed special in the second half of last year. Rife also received a development deal for a workplace comedy series he will write and star in.
Advertisem*nt
Rife previously released three self-produced comedy specials, “Only Fans” in 2021 and “Matthew Steven Rife” and “Red Flag” in 2023.
More to Read
-
George Lopez walkout prompts apology from central California casino: ‘Quite a shock’
June 10, 2024
-
‘Completely heartsick’ Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour to spend time with family
May 31, 2024
-
Comedian Nick Swardson flushes out new jokes at the Roosevelt Hotel ahead of his Toilet Head Tour
May 29, 2024
More to Read
-
George Lopez walkout prompts apology from central California casino: ‘Quite a shock’
June 10, 2024
-
‘Completely heartsick’ Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour to spend time with family
May 31, 2024
-
Comedian Nick Swardson flushes out new jokes at the Roosevelt Hotel ahead of his Toilet Head Tour
May 29, 2024
More to Read
-
George Lopez walkout prompts apology from central California casino: ‘Quite a shock’
June 10, 2024
-
Music
‘Completely heartsick’ Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour to spend time with family
May 31, 2024
-
Comedian Nick Swardson flushes out new jokes at the Roosevelt Hotel ahead of his Toilet Head Tour
May 29, 2024
-
Sports
Mike Tyson’s ulcer flare-up postpones Jake Paul fight. 57-year-old must rest ‘for a few weeks’
May 31, 2024
-
Just for Laughs Montréal comedy festival canceled amid bankruptcy filing, layoffs
March 5, 2024
-
Comedian Nick Swardson pins rocky Colorado set on drinking, ‘edibles in high altitude’
March 5, 2024
-
Sinbad had a stroke four years ago. In his Instagram return, he says ‘miracles happen’
March 5, 2024
-
Music
Weekends without Adele: Singer pauses Las Vegas residency on doctor’s orders
Feb. 28, 2024
-
Stand-ups explain why it pays to sharpen crowd-work skills. ‘It keeps me on my toes’
Feb. 27, 2024