From Rolling Stone · Kory Grow · · 1m 20s
Muna's Naomi McPherson steps back for family
Naomi McPherson is missing five Muna shows to be with their mother in her final days, and the band made room for it.
In brief
Naomi McPherson is missing five Muna shows to be with their mother in her final days, and the band made room for it. Muna chose to keep the tour running without forcing Naomi to choose between the stage and their dying mother. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Naomi is staying home
Muna's Naomi McPherson will sit out part of the band's headline tour to care for their mother, Harriet, who is in the terminal stages of cancer.
The timing collided
The band said Harriet's passing is expected to land right as the headline tour begins, so Naomi stayed behind rather than leave her side.
“It has become clear that [Harriet's] passing will coincide with the beginning of this headline tour.”
Five cities without them
McPherson expects to miss shows in Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, Nashville, and Atlanta while handling their mother's affairs.
The shows go on
Naomi insisted the tour continue either way, and the band built plans around that before announcing anything.
“It was important to Naomi that the shows happen with or without them.”
Lou Roy fills in
Musician Lou Roy, a friend of the band, will play and sing in McPherson's place for the affected dates.
“the outrageously talented musician Lou Roy playing and singing in their stead”
Fans can write back
Muna is setting up a letter drop at each show Naomi misses so fans can leave notes of encouragement. The band called Harriet one of the wisest, most loving people they knew.
“one of the greatest, most wise and loving people”
The takeaway
Muna chose to keep the tour running without forcing Naomi to choose between the stage and their dying mother.
