British rapper reveals emotional reason he pulled out of gig with minutes to go
Now, several days later, he has offered an emotional explanation.
Last Saturday, the British chart-topper, who rose to fame in the early 2010s, was due to take to the stage at Winnington Rugby Club, Northwich, Cheshire, as the headline act.
The crowd eagerly awaited his arrival ahead of his 9pm slot but was disappointed to be informed of a last-minute switch-up.
With just minutes to go, the organiser received a message while standing outside waiting for him – right on 9 o'clock – that he was unwell and unable to perform.
The 41-year-old Read All About It hitmaker's absence was later detailed by Chester 7 in a social media statement.
At 10pm, they wrote: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, Professor Green is unable to perform at Chester 7s tonight.
'Whilst circumstances such as these are outside of our control, we apologise to all our amazing players.
'Officials and guests, and thank you for making Chester 7s 2025 an amazing experience for everyone.'
Fortunately, the night wasn't short on good vibes, as English former rugby union player James Haskell did turn up to deliver a two-hour DJ slot beforehand.
The 40-year-old athlete and I'm A Celeb star plays house music and produces his own tunes, having taken his sets all over the world to the likes of London, Dubai, and Ibiza.
As for Professor Green, whose real name is Stephen Manderson, he has now commented publicly on pulling out of the gig with just moments to spare.
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Taking to his Instagram Story, he wrote: 'My sincerest apologises to @chester7s organisers and fans alike.
'Thank you @jameshaskell for him playing longer than planned.
'I'm reaching out to work out how I can make up for my no-show Saturday. Whatever it takes.
'This doesn't rest with booker or organisers – I crumbled after three performances and two back to back 21hr days doing all the driving etc myself.
'My head became a very difficult place to be.
'I made it to Chester but not to the stage – I hope I get the chance to make this up to you, if you'll let me. PG x' https://www.instagram.com/p/DLdapCdouUv/?hl=en
His emotional confession comes after many felt a sour taste in their mouths after his absence, admitting they felt let down.
Taking to the comments section of his most recent post after the gig, @nicola.b_86 wrote: 'What happened last night?!? You were booked to headline a festival and then just didn't show up? Organisers said at the end of the night you hadn't communicated this to them and just did a no show?'
'Why did you not come to Chester7s?', @tors56 demanded to know.
Also making their feeling crystal clear, @kayleigh_x87 commented underneath the announcement: '@professorgreen you massive let down!! 👎 not impressed 😤'
Pro Green has spoken openly about his mental health on numerous occasions, something fans have praised him for doing in the past.
Last year, he told the BBC: 'If you have a physical injury, it's your brain that gets you through it—you need mental strength.
'I don't know why there is a division between physical and mental health; it should just be health—they are intrinsically linked.'
He also previously fronted a documentary titled Suicide and Me, with his dad taking his own life when the rapper was 24.
Additionally, last year, he started taking antidepressants for the first time, having been reluctant at first, also due to the 'stigma' around mental illness.
Pro Green's cancelled gig came just a day after he performed at Glastonbury Festival 2025.
The Just Be Good to Green musician was brought out as a surprise guest by Native James during his set on the BBC Introducing stage.
Following some of his own hits, he introduced Green for a cameo, the UK hip hop veteran popping up for the duo's recent collab, Block.
In fact, it is Green's Worthy Farm appearance that made fans suspicious, as @bexwidd commented on Insta after his absence from Chester 7 was confirmed: 'He stayed at Glastonbury! Very poor @professorgreen'.
Agreeing, @splash_vw blasted him as 'pathetic', praising Haskell for still showing up despite the recent death of his father.
The Glasto set still went down a treat regardless, as fans were keen to comment on how 'iconic' the moment was.
'I am so glad I was there to witness this', @vpulverise wrote on Instagram.
Green himself commented: 'gassssssssssed ain't the word everyone go stream BLOCK NOWWWWWW … full circle moment – thank you @bbcintroducing and thank you @nativejamesuk@double.s.official@reeceselvadorai and gang 🔥' More Trending
No stranger to Glasto, having performed there several times before, Green hinted that he'll be returning in 2027 after the festival's fallow year.
'@glastofest see you in 27 💃'
This article was first published on June 29, 2025.
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