Singer Poppy experienced severe respiratory distress during her scheduled performance at Upheaval Festival on Friday night, July 17, forcing her band to play an instrumental set as thick wildfire smoke blanketed the Grand Rapids, Michigan, venue and created hazardous air quality conditions. The artist took to social media shortly after to explain her absence from the stage, citing an Air Quality Index (AQI) that soared above 350, rendering the environment unbreathable for her.
The incident at Upheaval Festival underscores the growing impact of environmental concerns on live entertainment events. With wildfire seasons intensifying across North America, festivals and outdoor concerts are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions, raising questions about safety protocols and the feasibility of holding large-scale gatherings in areas affected by poor air quality.
Poppy, whose real name is Moriah Pereira, was slated to perform before the heavy metal band Gojira at the rock and metal festival. However, the extreme atmospheric conditions made it impossible for her to join her bandmates on stage. The musicians, donning respirator masks beneath their characteristic stage attire, proceeded with an instrumental rendition of their set, a move that highlighted the severity of the airborne contaminants.
Following the unsettling experience, Poppy shared her account via Instagram Stories, providing crucial details about the environmental threat. "Due to ‘hazardous’ AQI reaching 350+ around our set time I was unable to join my band on stage," she stated. "I was unable to breathe in those conditions." She further elaborated on the unusual nature of the performance, noting, "You might’ve noticed our set was instrumental only. For those who braved the conditions – I applaud you."
The AQI scale, a widely recognized measure of air pollution, classifies readings above 300 as "Hazardous." This category signifies a health warning of emergency conditions, where the entire population is likely to be affected. AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authoritative resource for air quality information, uses this classification to alert the public to extreme environmental risks.
Upheaval Festival organizers had informed attendees prior to the event’s commencement that the festival would proceed, with officials continuously monitoring the air quality situation. In a pre-event weather update, the festival emphasized, "Your safety is our number one concern." They advised fans to pace themselves, stay hydrated, and look out for one another, also indicating that available data suggested an improvement in air quality throughout the day.
Michigan was under a statewide air quality alert on both Friday and Saturday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter, a common byproduct of wildfire smoke. The West Michigan Clean Air Coalition had projected hazardous conditions in specific parts of the state and "very unhealthy" conditions across the Lower Peninsula on Friday, aligning with the concerns that ultimately impacted Poppy’s performance.
This disruption at Upheaval marks the second significant interruption of Poppy’s festival appearances this season due to adverse environmental conditions. In May, her set at the Welcome to Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, Florida, was prematurely halted less than a minute into the performance. That incident was attributed to severe weather and the subsequent activation of lightning safety protocols.
The ongoing challenges faced by artists and festival-goers highlight a broader trend of climate change-related impacts on the music industry. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, organizers and performers must increasingly contend with unpredictable circumstances that can affect safety, logistics, and the overall fan experience.
Poppy’s recent live interruptions coincide with a notable surge in her presence on Billboard’s rock music charts. Her collaboration with Amy Lee of Evanescence and Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox, titled "End of You," debuted at the coveted No. 1 position on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart for the dated September 20, 2025.
The track further cemented its historical significance by topping the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. This achievement marked a landmark moment, with Poppy, Lee, and LaPlante becoming the first all-female or women-led act to collectively reach the summit of this prominent ranking.
Poppy’s artistic output continues to resonate with a dedicated fanbase, even as she navigates the complexities of performing in an era of environmental volatility. Her seventh studio album, Empty Hands, released in January via Sumerian Records, followed up on 2024’s Negative Spaces. Both albums have been recognized for their exploration of heavy, industrial, and alternative sonic landscapes, with production contributions from Jordan Fish and Stephen Harrison. The album’s critical reception and chart performance demonstrate her sustained influence in the contemporary rock and metal scenes.
The incident at Upheaval Festival serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental health and public events. As the music industry adapts to the realities of climate change, the focus on preparedness, transparent communication, and robust safety measures will be paramount in ensuring the well-being of artists and audiences alike. The ability to deliver performances under challenging conditions, or to make difficult decisions regarding safety, will continue to define the landscape of live music.
