News Summary
Rainbow Kitten Surprise has canceled their American and European tours due to a medical crisis affecting one of the members. The band emphasizes the importance of health and mental well-being, as they prepare for an upcoming performance in Grand Rapids. Fans are encouraged to support the band during this time, with a focus on mental health initiatives.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Rainbow Kitten Surprise Cancels Tours Due to Medical Crisis
Rainbow Kitten Surprise, the popular alt-rock and indie-pop band formed in 2013, has announced the cancellation of their American and European tours due to a medical crisis affecting one of its members. The band has emphasized the necessity of prioritizing health and well-being, stating their commitment to learning how to support each other during their ten-plus years together.
Currently, the band is on a North American tour with a scheduled performance at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 18. Tickets for this highly anticipated event are priced at $83 and can be purchased online. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the opening act for the night will feature New Translations.
Band Background and Achievements
Rainbow Kitten Surprise originated in Boone, North Carolina, where they began their journey in a dorm room. They gained popularity in the music scene by initially releasing music for free on Bandcamp, which allowed them to connect with a wide audience. The band experienced significant success on streaming platforms due to favorable algorithm placements, leading to sold-out shows at major festivals like Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits.
As they evolved musically, Rainbow Kitten Surprise released albums known for their honest lyrical content. Their discography includes hits like “RKS” and “How To: Friend, Love, Freefall,” showcasing a dynamic mixture of vocal styles that contribute to their unique sound. The band, now based in Nashville, recently released their fourth studio album, “Love Hate Music Box,” in 2024, which features the single “Espionage.” This album has been noted for reflecting lead vocalist Ela Melo’s personal struggles and experiences.
Focus on Mental Health and Community Support
In their latest announcement regarding the tour cancellations, Rainbow Kitten Surprise highlighted the importance of mental health, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, interpersonal struggles, and personal growth experienced by the band members. They are committed to prioritizing their health over the touring schedule and have expressed gratitude for the continued support from their fans.
The band’s dedication to mental health extends beyond their personal well-being. They have partnered with PLUS1 for their ongoing tours, contributing $1 from every ticket sold to organizations that improve access to mental health treatment for the LGBTQ+ community and aid in the recovery efforts of the recent Los Angeles fires.
Conclusion
Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s decision to cancel their upcoming tours reflects an essential focus on health and support within the band. As they prepare for their show in Grand Rapids, fans can look forward to experiencing their music live while understanding the importance of the well-being of the artists they admire. The band’s journey from their early days recording in a dorm room to their current global reach illustrates their resilience and commitment to authenticity in their music.
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Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Rainbow Kitten Surprise Cancels 2023 Shows
- Wikipedia: Rainbow Kitten Surprise
- RevueWM: Rainbow Kitten Surprise – Love and Hate, Shock and Awe
- Google Search: Rainbow Kitten Surprise Tour Cancellation
- Melodic Mag: Rainbow Kitten Surprise Announces 2025 Tour
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
