Pop superstar Halsey gave fans a real talk and a powerful performance in Boston, opening up about a recent health scare that landed her in the ER just hours before hitting the stage, all while publicly challenging a rude audience member.
TL;DR
- Halsey was hospitalized for a "minor medical emergency" after her first Boston show but still performed her second.
- She fiercely clapped back at a fan who told her to "stop talking and play," referencing her recent health struggles.
- Currently on her "Back to Badlands" tour, Halsey continues to battle lupus and a rare T-cell disorder while facing label issues.
Imagine being ready to rock out at your favorite artist's concert, only to find out they were in the emergency room just hours before. That's exactly what happened for fans attending Halsey's second night at Boston's MGM Music Hall on November 3, 2025. The 31-year-old singer-songwriter, known for her raw honesty, took to Instagram Stories before the show to share a candid update: she'd spent the night in the ER until 6 AM after her first Boston performance on November 2, 2025.
She described the incident as a "minor medical emergency" but quickly reassured her fans, "I am A-Okay now and ready to rock tonight! but if I'm pacing myself, that's why!" This kind of transparency isn't new for Halsey, who has been incredibly open about her ongoing health battles, making her determination to perform even more impactful.
Mass General: A Shout-Out to the Healthcare Heroes
Despite the frightening experience, Halsey was full of gratitude for the medical team that cared for her. She made sure to give a "huge shoutout to Mass General and Dr Kian, Dr Victoria and my nurses Carolyn and Alicia for being the absolute best team I've ever met." She extended her thanks to the imaging staff, transport team, and patient relations, emphasizing, "I am so so grateful!" It's a powerful reminder that even pop stars rely on dedicated healthcare professionals during their most vulnerable moments.
While she didn't specify the exact reason for her emergency room visit, the context of her health journey shed light on the challenges she faces. This wasn't just a tough night; it was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her fans and her craft, even when her body pushes back.
"I Almost Fing Died to Be on This Stage": Halsey Claps Back
The night after her ER visit, Halsey took the stage in Boston, clearly operating on immense resilience. During a moment where she was addressing the crowd, a male audience member reportedly shouted, "Stop talking and play." And Halsey, never one to back down, delivered an epic and unfiltered response that quickly went viral.
"You think you're tough shit because you're from Boston?" the singer retorted. "I'm from Jersey, baby. I'll whoop your ass. My dad's from Boston, my mom's from Jersey—that basically makes me a fing demon. I'm gonna play whatever the f I wanna play. In case you didn't hear me correctly, I almost fing died to be on this stage. I'm going to play whatever the f I wanna play."
— Halsey, at her Boston concert (November 3, 2025)
Her powerful words were met with cheers from the crowd, who understood the context of her recent hospitalization. Later, Halsey further addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "I've been polite but won't be caught dead letting a man tell me what I should play in my set. There's always one." This moment perfectly encapsulated her defiant spirit and her refusal to be silenced, especially after pushing through significant personal adversity to perform.
Halsey's Ongoing Health Journey: Battling Chronic Conditions on Tour
Halsey's candidness about her health isn't new; it's a crucial part of her story. In 2022, she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a rare T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. She publicly shared these diagnoses in June 2024, explaining that while both conditions are currently being managed or are in remission, she will likely have them for the duration of her life.
These conditions are serious and complex. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. A T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder involves the abnormal growth of certain white blood cells, some forms of which impact the immune system, and others are classified as blood cancers. Symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, an enlarged liver or spleen, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and fever.
Her health updates have often included details of her treatments. In September 2024, she revealed on TikTok that she had "just did another few sessions of chemo" and had "a new port placed" to support these treatments. This consistent medical care and her continuous fight against chronic illness make her "almost died to be on this stage" statement not an exaggeration, but a stark reality of her dedication.
"Back to Badlands" Tour: A Celebration of a Decade of Music and Resilience
Despite all the personal challenges, Halsey is currently on her "Back to Badlands" tour, which kicked off in mid-October. This tour is a special celebration, marking the 10th anniversary of her debut album, "Badlands," which launched her into superstardom. It's a nostalgic journey for fans and a testament to her enduring artistic vision.
The tour schedule is extensive, with additional shows across the U.S. scheduled through mid-November, including a stop in Washington D.C. on November 4, 2025. A second North American leg is planned for next January, followed by shows in Europe, the U.K., and Australia. For Halsey, this tour is more than just performing; it's a powerful declaration of her passion for music and her fans, proving that her spirit remains unbroken.
Navigating the Industry: Halsey's Fight for Artistic Freedom
Beyond her health, Halsey has also been transparent about her struggles with the music industry itself. In a revealing interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, she shared that she's currently "blocked from releasing new music" and "not allowed to" make an album right now. This stems from her label's reception of her 2024 project, "The Great Impersonator."
"That's the reality, because The Great Impersonator didn't perform the way they thought it was going to," Halsey explained. She highlighted that the album sold 100,000 copies in its first week, which she considered a "pretty big first week, especially for an artist who hasn't had a hit in a long time." She passionately pushed back against the label's expectations, stating, "If my record comes out and sells 100,000 copies first week with no radio play, no real support, and the comparison is, why isn't she doing Taylor Swift numbers? Are you fing kidding me? To the other types of artists who are making the type of music that I am making, I'm fing killing it."
— Halsey, to Zane Lowe on Apple Music
This candid discussion reveals the immense pressure artists face to hit specific commercial targets, even when creating experimental and deeply personal work. Halsey's defiance against these expectations showcases her commitment to her artistic integrity, making her journey on the "Back to Badlands" tour even more significant as she continues to share her music on her own terms.
A Force of Nature: Halsey's Unyielding SpiritFrom navigating chronic health conditions and undergoing chemotherapy to confronting a rude fan on stage and battling for artistic freedom with her label, Halsey continues to demonstrate an incredible level of strength and authenticity. Her recent experiences in Boston are just the latest chapter in a career defined by resilience and an unwavering connection with her audience.
The "Back to Badlands" tour isn't just a celebration of an album; it's a testament to Halsey's enduring spirit and her commitment to showing up, night after night, for the fans who cherish her honesty and her art. She's a reminder that even through the toughest challenges, music, passion, and a healthy dose of Jersey attitude can help you conquer anything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halsey's Recent Events When was Halsey hospitalized in Boston? Halsey was in the emergency room until 6 AM on November 3, 2025, after her first concert in Boston on November 2, 2025. What are Halsey's known health conditions? Halsey was diagnosed in 2022 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a rare T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. She has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for these conditions. Is Halsey still continuing her "Back to Badlands" tour? Yes, Halsey continued her "Back to Badlands" tour immediately after her ER visit. The tour has dates scheduled across the U.S., a second North American leg in January, and later stops in Europe, the U.K., and Australia. What did Halsey say to the rude fan at her concert? Halsey told the fan, "I almost fing died to be on this stage. I'm going to play whatever the f I wanna play," after the fan shouted, "Stop talking and play." Sources- Rolling Stone
- Boston.com
- CBS News Boston
- Boston 25 News
- VOI.id
- cleveland.com
- People.com (via iHeartRadio)
- Evolve (via Reality Tea)
- The News International
- Far Out Magazine