Matt Rife takes a two-week break from comedy tour, citing 'extreme exhaustion' (2024)

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Stand-up comedian Matt Rife is taking two weeks off during his world tour after “extreme exhaustion” led him to cancel a pair of Indiana performances just hours before showtime.

The 28-year-old comic — who rose to fame in 2023 for his crowd-work bits posted to TikTok and recently became the youngest comedian to headline (and sell out) the Hollywood Bowl — is midway through his sold-out ProbleMATTic World Tour — a 115-date run encompassing two years and three continents. When ticket sales went live last June, Ticketmaster crashed.

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Rife was slated to perform back-to-back shows Wednesday night at the Indiana University Auditorium in Bloomington, Ind. The venue that evening announced the cancellation of both shows on Instagram, citing an “unexpected medical emergency” and promising refunds within 30 days.

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Rife also apologized for backing out last-minute via his Instagram story.

“I’m so ... sorry, but due to a last minute medical emergency i have to reschedule our shows tonight (again),” Rife wrote. “I’ve been doing 40+ shows a month for a year and half and never had to do something like this, I’m so so sorry, i hope you understand and i love you so much.”

After Wednesday’s cancellations, ticket holders for Rife’s scheduled performances at Chicago Theater and the Ryman Auditorium received an email from the venues announcing their shows would also be postponed.

“On the way to a recent show in Indiana, Matt experienced extreme exhaustion symptoms and nearly fainted heading to the venue,” the email said. “Matt is currently under advisem*nt from his medical team to take immediate time off from touring for two weeks.”

The message assured showgoers that “future dates will not be affected” and said the comedian will resume his tour June 12 in Memphis. The Chicago Theater shows were moved to Dec. 26-30, with refunds available for those unable to attend. New dates for the Ryman Auditorium performances are pending.

Representatives for Rife did not reply immediately Friday to The Times’ request for comment.

In April, Deadline reported that Rife had signed a two-special deal with Netflix after “Natural Selection,” his first special on the platform, became its most-viewed special in the second half of last year. Rife also received a development deal for a workplace comedy series he will write and star in.

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Rife previously released three self-produced comedy specials, “Only Fans” in 2021 and “Matthew Steven Rife” and “Red Flag” in 2023.

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Matt Rife takes a two-week break from comedy tour, citing 'extreme exhaustion' (2024)

FAQs

Why did Matt Rife reschedule the Chicago Show? ›

"On the way to a recent show in Indiana, Matt experienced exhaustion symptoms and nearly fainted heading to the venue," the statement read “Matt is currently under advisem*nt from his medical team to take immediate time off from touring for two weeks.”

Did Matt Rife cancel the nashville Show? ›

Yes cancelled all shows in nashville. Unfortunatley. He cancelled his Memphis show day of way back in February too.

Is Matt Rife touring in 2024? ›

What Is the Matt Rife 2024 Tour Schedule? The ProbleMATTic tour will visit more than 100 cities across North America, Australia, and Europe throughout 2023 and 2024.

Why did Matt go to Chicago? ›

Matt's college prospects also come into play. Knowing he won't be playing football anywhere after being benched, Matt considers art schools and decides on the Art Institute of Chicago. Knowing he'll be away from home, he helps his grandmother move into an assisted living home.

What challenge is Matt Rife on? ›

He competed on Champs vs. Stars 1.

Is Matt Rife 18+? ›

We will be asking for ID for proof of 18+ for every attendee coming in the door. Anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday will not be allowed admittance regardless of if they have a ticket or not. We're Looking Forward to Seeing You!

What was Matt Rife's medical issue? ›

I'm so, so sorry. I hope you understand, and I love you so much." While traveling to Indiana for the performances, Rife suffered "extreme exhaustion symptoms and nearly fainted heading to the venue," an email sent to ticket holders read.

Does Matt Rife have any specials? ›

Rife has self-produced comedy specials Only Fans (2021), Matthew Steven Rife (2023), and Walking Red Flag (2023).

Can you have your phone at the Matt Rife Show? ›

Matt Rife takes our stage for night one of two great evenings of SOLD OUT shows! As a reminder, photographs and video recording this show are strictly prohibited. You may bring your phones into the building, but please make sure they are stowed away once your ticket is scanned.

Can I sell my Matt Rife tickets? ›

If you can no longer use your tickets and are not eligible for an exchange or refund, you may resell them through Ticketmaster Fan to Fan Exchange. Any tickets purchased, resold or offered for resale in breach of these special conditions may be cancelled and invalidated.

Why did Matt Rife reschedule the Bloomington Show? ›

A scheduling conflict, according to an earlier news release, led Rife to postpone two sold-out performances at IU Auditorium on Feb. 14, which were rescheduled to May 29, which have now been postponed again. Bloomington audiences weren't the only ones feeling jilted at the time.

Is Matt Rife touring in 2025? ›

Get ready to buckle up for a wild ride of laughter because Matt Rife is bringing his unique brand of comedy to your city in 2025.

Is Matt Rife still touring? ›

Matt Rife is currently touring across 4 countries and has 29 upcoming concerts.

Where is OS Matt Rife from? ›

Early life. Matt Rife was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in North Lewisburg. He also lived in New Albany and Mount Vernon. Rife first took an interest in comedy at 14 years old, when a teacher said that there would be a talent show at his high school.

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