American singer and guitarist James Taylor was supposed to perform at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19, 2024, as per the schedule released by DNC organizers.
However, the singer's performance did not take place. DNC officials stated that it was because of the applause from the audience "interrupting speaker after speaker" and the organizers skipped elements of the program to ensure they could get to President Joe Biden as quickly as possible in order to get him to speak to the American people directly.
The organizers added:
"We are proud of the electric atmosphere in our convention hall and proud that our convention is showcasing the broad and diverse coalition behind the Harris-Walz ticket throughout the week on and off the stage.”
While DNC officials stated their reasons for skipping through, fans of James Taylor took to X to express their disappointment over the situation. One of his fans dubbed the situation a "shameless consequence" and tweeted:
"The most shameful consequence of the DNC running 30+ mins late: cutting a performance by James Taylor," the comment read.
"People saying that the #DNC2024CHICAGO #DemocraticConvention had to cut off the scheduled performance from singer #JamesTaylor... For real??? 😮" a fan asked for reconfirmation.
Moreover, fans of the New Tune singer also mentioned that they wanted James to perform on other days at the DNC. Netizens added that the singer's absence disappointed their parents, given he has been popular since the '70s:
"They better bring back James Taylor tomorrow or Wednesday. The people (me) want James Taylor." a fan wrote.
"Made my mom’s day by telling her James Taylor was performing at the DNC only to turn around and ruin her day by telling her he got cut for time 😭 sorry mom," another fan stated.
"I feel like I’ve got another one in me" — James Taylor comments on the possibility of a new album
In an interview with The Associated Press over Zoom in March 2024, James Taylor talked about performing live with the All-Star Band on their tour which began in May 2024, and the possibility of a new album.
Commenting on the same, the Fire and Rain singer said:
"I feel like I’ve got another one in me — sounds like an egg — but I'm writing a little bit."
Additionally, he stated that he hopes the audience takes away a "sense of connection" from his band's live performances. The singer discussed how he is so attached to live music and that he can't let it go.
James mentioned what makes it difficult for him to let go of performing live is that there is something that happens "when people come together for a couple of hours for two or three hours and have a sort of collective experience." Calling the experience "indescribable," James noted that despite preparing for the live performance, it is spontaneous and unique and he loves it when that happens.
Fans expressed their disappointment over the cancelation of James' performance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The photos and videos of the singer practicing his signature version of Carole King's You've Got a Friend at the United Center also went viral on social media platforms.