Poppy missed her Upheaval Festival set due to “hazardous” air quality, with her band playing without her while wearing masks.
The singer had been due to perform at the festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan yesterday (July 17), shortly before Friday night headliners Gojira.
However, when the scheduled set began, Poppy was absent and her masked backing band took to the stage without her. The musicians proceeded to perform the set instrumentally, wearing N95 respirators beneath their customary stage masks.
Poppy later explained on her Instagram Stories that smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires had caused the Air Quality Index around the festival to exceed 350 near the time of her performance.
She said she did not join the band because she “was unable to breathe in those conditions”, and applauded the fans who had endured the hazardous air.
"Hola Upheaval.
Debido al ICA llegando a 350+ alrededor de nuestra hora de set no he podido unirme a mi banda en el escenario. No podía respirar en esas condiciones. Podrán haber notado que nuestro set fue solo instrumental. A quienes desafiaron esas condiciones, les aplaudo." pic.twitter.com/a7upfLwDuW— Poppy Argentina P⃤ (@poppy_arg) July 18, 2026
What a statement made by Poppy right now
Her entire band is on stage wearing N-95 masks and she’s nowhere to be found
Protecting her money maker that is her voice from the smoke
People may be mad but I totally understand and respect it#Upheavel pic.twitter.com/70K1LH4S5d
— Brandon Cooke (@brandongrhockey) July 17, 2026
