Naomi McPherson temporarily leaves MUNA tour to be with her mother

The group explained that Harriet’s illness, described as particularly aggressive, has worsened in recent weeks. Naomi McPherson will remain at the family home during Harriet’s final days and will also handle the arrangements following her passing.

The concerts scheduled in Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, Nashville, and Atlanta will go ahead as planned. Musician Lou Roy will take over McPherson’s guitar and vocal parts, in line with the artist’s wish to not interrupt the tour.

MUNA will also set up a letter collection point near the merchandise stands at the affected shows, allowing fans to leave messages for McPherson. In their public statement, the group emphasized Harriet’s significant role in their history and the support she has provided for her child’s music career.

Formed in 2013 by Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, MUNA released their fourth album, Dancing on the Wall, in May. The trio had announced the Gets So Hot Tour, a series of concerts in North America followed by dates in Europe.

At the time of the announcement, MUNA was considering McPherson’s return for the Philadelphia concert on September 25, while noting that this schedule could change. The North American leg is set to continue until October 21 at Red Rocks, followed by European dates scheduled for November.