Miley Cyrus is reflecting on the overwhelming combination of grief, fear, and post-pandemic pressure that led to an anxiety attack in front of a massive concert crowd. The Grammy winner said the frightening moment unfolded during a 2022 performance in Mexico after she lost her close friend Taylor Hawkins and survived a terrifying in-flight emergency. Looking back, Cyrus believes the experience was not caused by one incident. Instead, it followed a buildup of traumatic events that changed her relationship with performing.
Cyrus discussed the incident during an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music ahead of the release of her album “Bass Persuades.” The “Flowers” singer recalled having an “actual anxiety attack on stage” while performing for a huge audience in Mexico.
Rather than attempting to conceal what she was experiencing, Cyrus told the crowd directly. “I was saying to the crowd, ‘I’m having an anxiety attack.’ And they were like, ‘Hell yeah, we’re having anxiety attacks.’”
Cyrus went from spending the COVID-19 pandemic with only a small number of people to standing in front of an audience reportedly numbering about 250,000. That contributed to the emotional and sensory overload she experienced during the performance.
The Singer Described A ‘Cocktail Of Chaos’
In hindsight, Cyrus does not believe the panic attack can be separated from everything she had endured in the months leading up to it. “I guess it wasn’t so much anxiety, as I realize now in hindsight; it was just a buildup of the cocktail of chaos, you could say. Living through a global pandemic like everyone else,” the star said.
The singer’s return to large-scale performances followed an extended period when concerts, tours, and other public events were disrupted by the pandemic. At the same time, she was processing the sudden death of Hawkins, the longtime Foo Fighters drummer who had become one of her close friends.
Cyrus explained that the fear and grief she experienced became connected to performing, making it more difficult for her to feel comfortable onstage.
Miley Cyrus And Taylor Hawkins Became Close During The Pandemic
Cyrus and Hawkins reportedly lived near one another during the pandemic and developed a friendship. Their bond grew stronger through similar musical instincts, with Cyrus telling Lowe they had been “in alignment” creatively.
Hawkins was scheduled to perform with the Foo Fighters at the Asunciónico music festival in Paraguay in March 2022. Cyrus was also part of the festival lineup. However, severe weather prevented Cyrus from arriving. Lightning struck her plane while it was traveling to Paraguay, forcing an emergency landing.
Cyrus later confirmed that her crew, band, friends, and family were safe. The storm and severe flooding ultimately disrupted the festival.
Taylor Hawkins Was The First Person She Called After Plane Emergency
Cyrus described the flight incident as “super terrifying” and said Hawkins was the first person she called afterward. The musician attempted to reassure her while discussing the show they expected to perform. “He’s like, ‘Man, I’m here. It’s raining, but like the show’s going to be sick.’ And the next day he was gone,” she said.
Hawkins died at age 50 on March 25, 2022, while the Foo Fighters were touring South America. He was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Bogotá, Colombia, shortly before the band was scheduled to perform at the Festival Estéreo Picnic.
Cyrus’ flight emergency meant she did not have the opportunity to reunite with Hawkins before his death, adding another painful dimension to her grief.
Taylor Hawkins’ Official Cause Of Death Was Not Disclosed
A preliminary toxicology report released by Colombian authorities found multiple substances in Hawkins’ system, including opioids, marijuana, tricyclic antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. However, an official cause of death was not publicly disclosed. Reports at the time stated that emergency services responded after Hawkins experienced chest pain, but he could not be revived.
The Foo Fighters announced his death in a statement and subsequently canceled their remaining tour dates. Cyrus was among the numerous musicians who honored Hawkins after his death. She later participated in the Los Angeles tribute concert organized by Foo Fighters in September 2022.
Miley Cyrus Is Reconsidering Her Relationship With Performing
Cyrus’ panic attack became part of a larger shift in how she approaches her career and live performances. The singer has spoken about prioritizing her physical and mental health instead of committing to the demands of a traditional world tour.
Cyrus is now returning to the stage on her own terms as she promotes “Bass Persuades,” which was released on September 18. She is also scheduled to perform two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in October.
