MUNA have confirmed that guitarist and vocalist Naomi McPherson will not appear at the opening dates of the band’s upcoming Gets So Hot tour, as they remain at home with their mother Harriet during her final days.
The trio – Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin and Naomi – shared the update on Tuesday (15.09.26), explaining that the 33-year-old star will miss several shows at the start of the North American run, which begins in Philadelphia on September 25. The band said the decision was made so Naomi could stay with their mother and handle her affairs following her passing.
In a statement posted to social media, MUNA said the tour will continue as planned, with musician Lou Roy stepping in for Naomi at the early dates. The band confirmed that McPherson will miss shows in Philadelphia, Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, Nashville and Atlanta, but will rejoin the tour when possible.
The group’s full statement appears read: “Tragically, Naomi’s mother Harriet has been suffering for some time now from an extremely aggressive and terminal form of cancer that has escalated in severity over the past few weeks.
“Now, it has become clear that her passing will coincide with the beginning of this headline tour.
“Because of the terminal nature of her illness, Naomi has been at home with her for her final days and will be staying behind after we depart in order to take care of her affairs after her passing.
“It was important to Naomi that the shows happen with or without them, and so plans have been in the works to ensure this.
“When Naomi inevitably returns to the tour, they will do so with the knowledge that watching them play music is what filled Harriet with the most joy and pride. It is impossible to overstate the impact that Harriet has had on the band, and on our hearts and souls.
“Whilst talking about playing these shows without Naomi, one of the things that kept coming up was how this is a way for us to honor them and Harriet right now, and we also know and trust that fans will want to be together and show their love and support for our sweetest member.
“If you are coming to one of the shows Naomi won’t be at and want to send them some extra love, we will have a letter drop for them at the merch stand.”
MUNA added that this is “one of the hardest things” they have faced as a band, thanking fans for their support.
The North American leg of the Gets So Hot tour runs until October 21, finishing at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. The trio will then head to Europe in November, with shows scheduled in France, the UK, Germany and more.