Shawn Mendes is gearing up for a series of intimate theatre performances to showcase his forthcoming album, Shawn. The Canadian pop star, 25, has unveiled a special set of concerts titled “For My Friends And Family Only,” which will take place in the cities where the album was recorded.
The tour kicks off on August 8 in Woodstock, New York, and will include stops in London, Nashville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Mendes shared his excitement about the tour on Instagram, stating, “For my friends and family. I wanted the first shows back to be special and to play this album for you live in the places we recorded it. I’ve never played an album top to bottom before but it’s already one of my favorite shows I’ve ever rehearsed. I love you guys, the band and I can’t wait to see you!”
The album, which follows Mendes’ 2020 release Wonder, is set to drop on October 18. It reflects Mendes’ personal experiences over the past two years. In a heartfelt Instagram message, he expressed his gratitude and explained the album’s significance: “Music really can be medicine. Two years ago I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago I couldn’t step into a studio without falling into complete panic. So to be here right now with 12 beautiful finished songs feels like such a gift.”
Mendes also thanked his support system: “Honestly thank god for my friends and family. Life can be brutal, but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better. I have no idea how I would have made it through the last couple of years, let alone make an album without you.”
The album’s lead single, “Why Why Why,” along with another track titled “Isn’t That Enough,” will be released on August 9. Mendes wrote and co-produced the album, and he hopes it resonates deeply with listeners.
The “For My Friends And Family Only” tour dates are as follows:
August 8 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater
August 13 – London, UK – Theatre Royal Drury Lane
October 14 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 18 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
October 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Ford
October 24 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
