Did blackbear really say “idfc” and perform elsewhere, immediately after he canceled his upcoming performance at Drury? Was he really too sick to take the stage? These are some of the questions that some Panthers had in their minds after blackbear’s Instagram account posted frames of his latest performance, a “Squid Game”-themed Halloween special on October 28th, a single day before he was scheduled to perform at Drury University.

Matthew Musto, 30, more commonly known and stylized as blackbear, had been anticipated at Drury since 2019, and after three prior rescheduling attempts, it seemed that the day had finally come. To many’s dismay, just three days prior to the concert date, Drury SGA notified ticket holders and students that blackbear was not coming, due to an unspecified “illness,” and that B.o.B. would be performing in his place. (Just one day after announcing that news, it was apparent that B.o.B ‘s appearance was unable to be “finalized,” and Jax, the original opener for blackbear, would be performing the main slot instead, with DJ CEO as the opener.)

Both blackbear and Drury SGA received mixed responses to the news of the performer change, and the negative response was in no way obscured. One Drury student left a comment on Drury SGA’s Instagram account, expressing, “Y’all dropped this, (basketball emoji).” Twenty-seven likes on this comment indicated many students’ blame on SGA for “dropping the ball” on the situation. Jax herself playfully responded to this comment, writing, “damn collin now I’m rly nervous”.

Of course, SGA had no control over the cancellations. However, some students feel that the announcement of B.o.B.’s tentative appearance was premature, and that they should have waited until it was finalized.

Quinn Vonder Haar, Vice President of Student Life of Drury SGA writes, “We knew that it was going to be difficult to find a new act and/or change the show completely, however we still wanted to try before we canceled. The show put on by DJ CEO and Jax was amazing and we are so thankful that they were able to come and do that for our students.”

But was blackbear really too sick to perform? Many people are unaware that he suffers from a chronic illness, pancreatitis, which he confirmed on Twitter as the reason for a different concert cancellation exactly one month prior to the Springfield cancellation.

blackbear’s tweet, from September 27th, reads: “As many of you know, I suffer from chronic pancreatitis which can cause periodic flare ups that are hard to control. unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing one recently that will make it impossible for me to take the stage tonight 🙁 gonna rest up.”

blackbear underwent emergency surgery in 2016 in order to save his life, then was diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis, which caused the complication, according to the National Pancreas Foundation.

It is likely that, yes, blackbear was indeed suffering from a pancreatitis flare-up and happened to conveniently air a pre-recorded performance a single day before he was supposed to visit Springfield. However, neither blackbear nor his label, beartrap sound, have issued any statement and have addressed none of fans’ concerns, leaving many to believe and spread the rumors that he canceled his performance at Drury simply because he was double-booked, and made up an excuse that he was too ill.

This is likely not the case, although the seeming apathy and lack of direct information from blackbear and his team make the situation seem hard to read. As of right now, it is not certain if Drury SGA will ever attempt to ever bring blackbear to Springfield again.

Let this situation not distract you from the news that Jax came to the rescue with her performance, taking over blackbear’s time slot to bring a high-energy, cheerful and interactive concert to Drury students and visitors.

In case you missed it, she took the stage and played many original songs, some performed for the very first time, as well as covers of popular songs, “Teenage Dirtbag” and “Seven Nation Army.” She and her two accompanying musicians even came in costume, wearing t-shirts with nickels affixed to the back, as “Nickelback.”

Photo by Lora Clark

Her energy was unbeatable as she danced, rocked out, and even brought fans on stage, all with a contagious smile. Jax even performed sections of blackbear songs, wearing what some would describe as a smirk.

Jax also hung out with fans before and after the concert. I got the scoop on Jax’s activities of the evening from Sydnie Hamburg, not a Drury student but a local to the area. She had been planning to see blackbear, but still went to see Jax, who Hamburg said is “one of the few creators I actually follow up on.”

Hamburg recalled how Jax brought Doritos to her and her group of friends after seeing them waiting in line for the concert. Jax’s manager expressed to the group of ladies that Jax was looking to hang out with fans after the show, so Hamburg and crew told her that they were going to Martha’s Vineyard, a bar in downtown Springfield. So, after attending the meet-and-greet event for SGA, Jax went to Martha’s too, and ended up participating in the bar’s costume contest with her band, watching the drag show and even gifting her famous “Nickelback” tee to Hamburg. After such an eventful night, Hamburg recalled, “I really felt like I was living in a movie.”

Jax and her team did a fantastic job planning a nearly full-length concert on such short notice, and she is greatly appreciated for bringing such a joyful experience to Drury. As for blackbear, we send him well wishes, hoping he feels much better soon.

Article by Gisele Ortega