Charli XCX, the British pop sensation known for her hits like “1999” and “Boom Clap,” has revealed the emotional and physical toll touring has taken on her over the years. In a candid interview with Variety published on December 4, the 32-year-old singer shared the darker side of life on the road, admitting that the rigorous demands of performing have left her with lasting physical damage and emotional exhaustion.
For Charli, touring isn’t all glitz and glamour. She confesses that the experience is actually quite hard on her emotionally, describing the stage as a “very angry place” for her these days. “I find touring actually really hard emotionally,” Charli says, adding that the pressure to deliver the kind of high-energy performances her fans expect takes a significant toll on her body.
The toll on her body has been significant, especially when it comes to nerve damage in her neck. “I’ve done a lot of physical damage to my body from performing, and I’m often in a lot of pain when I perform,” she reveals. Charli admits that her physically demanding performances, which often involve throwing herself around the stage, contribute to this pain. She continues, “For me to give a performance that I feel is good enough, I have to really physically throw myself around — and that makes me very upset when I do it. So it’s kind of this hell hole.”
While Charli is known for her dynamic stage presence and electrifying shows, the reality behind her performances is far more challenging. The constant movement, combined with the toll of the road, leaves her physically drained and in constant pain. Despite the heavy strain, Charli remains dedicated to her craft, pushing through the pain to deliver the best performance possible.
One bright spot in her recent touring experience has been the support of her collaborator and friend, Troye Sivan. The two artists, who teamed up for the 2019 hits “1999” and “2099,” co-headlined the Sweat Tour, and Charli says being on the road with Troye made the experience more bearable. “Being with Troye made touring easier and less of an emotional battle,” Charli admits. She credits him, along with the other members of the tour, for lightening the emotional burden of the grueling schedule.
Despite the hardships of touring, Charli’s work ethic remains as strong as ever. Although she is open about the lack of rest in her life, she also jokes about the passage of time, saying, “But I also don’t really sleep these days. 2020… um, what year is it? 2024 has not been a very restful year, for sure.”
The physical and emotional toll of her performances might leave many artists ready to call it quits, but Charli XCX isn’t backing down. With a string of upcoming tour dates in 2025 to support her latest album, Brat, she’s gearing up for another round of intense performances. Even though she’s well aware of the damage touring has done to her body, Charli remains committed to her fans and her music, proving that no matter the strain, she will always rise to the occasion.
Her unwavering dedication to her craft is a testament to her passion for performance, and despite the challenges, Charli continues to push forward with enthusiasm.
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