Performing and Going on Stage When You’re Sick: Where Do You Draw the Line?
The Hidden Pressure Behind “The Show Must Go On”
In the music world, responsibility can be a brutal thing. When you’re booked, people expect you to show up – no matter how you feel. Unlike most jobs where you can call in sick and reschedule, a concert involves tickets, promotion, rented gear, crew, and an audience that has planned their entire evening around that one moment.
If you’re sick – whether it’s the flu, a stomach bug, or just a pounding headache – the show doesn’t magically disappear. The venue still expects music. Your band still expects you to show up. A lot of musicians push through simply because “that’s what pros do.” But that mindset can easily cross the line from professional to self-destructive.
Sick Before a Gig: When Is It Still Responsible to Play?
There’s a big difference between “not feeling 100%” and being genuinely unable to perform.
- If you’ve broken your leg on stage like Dave Grohl and can physically not continue: nobody sane will question you for stopping.
- For most illnesses, the situation is less dramatic. You might have fever, stomach issues, or zero energy – but technically, you can still walk on stage.
That grey zone is where bad decisions are made.
Ask yourself 3 questions before you decide:
- Can I play without putting my long-term health at serious risk?
- Will my performance be so weak that it damages my reputation more than cancelling would?
- Is there any way to replace or share the responsibility – substitute player, acoustic set, shortened show?
If the honest answer to all three is “this will do more damage than good,” the professional choice is to step back, not to push harder.
Professional Preparation: Have a Plan B Before You Need It
Handling sickness professionally starts long before you get sick.
Backup plans: If you know you’re heading into surgery or a difficult period, arrange a replacement in advance. Have one or two trusted players you can call for emergency dep gigs.
Clear agreements: Make sure your band, booker, and venues know how you handle illness and cancellations. Surprises create drama; agreements create trust.
Communication: When something goes wrong, inform everyone as early and as clearly as possible. No last-minute ghosting, no excuses – just honest information and solutions.
A real pro doesn’t promise they’ll never be sick. A real pro makes sure that, even when things go wrong, the situation is handled with minimum chaos.
Commitment vs. Health: How Far Should You Push Yourself?
Being a professional musician means you understand the weight of a commitment – but it does not mean sacrificing your health at all costs.
Short-term, light issues (mild cold, tiredness, light headache):
You may decide to play and push through, but adjust the show: shorter set, less screaming, fewer solos, more support from the band.
Serious issues (high fever, contagious illness, strong medication, risk of collapse):
Here, playing is no longer “dedication,” it’s gambling – with your career and your body. One bad decision can lead to long-term damage, cancelled tours, or a wrecked reputation.
Rule of thumb:
If you wouldn’t want your bandmate or student to play in your condition, you shouldn’t be on stage either.
Key Takeaways for Sick Days and Emergencies
Prepare for contingencies: Have a replacement plan or emergency setup ready before trouble hits.
Communicate early: Tell your band, management, and venue as soon as you know there’s a problem. Early notice gives everyone options.
Protect your long-term health: One show is never worth permanent damage. There will always be another gig – there’s only one you.
Be honest, not heroic: Fans respect honesty way more than a disastrous performance where you clearly shouldn’t be on stage.
Responsibility cuts both ways: You owe the show your best – but you also owe your body and mind the right to recover.
What Justin Bieber and Pete Doherty Really Teach Musicians
The industry loves extreme stories: artists playing while vomiting on stage, finishing a full show sick, or collapsing after a performance. Justin Bieber’s 2013 show where he vomited on stage is often framed as “dedication.” In reality, it also exposes the insane pressure artists feel to keep going, no matter how they feel.
Pete Doherty’s 2014 Rock Werchter performance is the opposite example: visibly intoxicated, struggling to stand, leaning on his amplifier to get through the set. Musically and professionally, it was a disaster – and a perfect reminder that “showing up at any cost” can destroy the very thing you’re trying to protect: your artistry and your career.
The lesson from both cases isn’t “be as tough as they are.” The real lesson is:
- Know your limits.
- Treat illness and addiction seriously.
- Take responsibility – sometimes that means stepping back, not stepping on stage.
Putting your health first isn’t weakness. It’s the only way to make sure you’re still able to perform in ten years’ time.
Take Your Guitar Playing To The Next Level!
Wouter Baustein
Music Producer, Music & Mindset Coach
If you like clear, practical guitar and music coaching instead of random YouTube tips, you need structure. My guitar books and coaching programs give you that structure, so you can finally make real progress and level up your playing.