Ronnie Radke, frontman of Falling in Reverse, has responded to claims that he criticized Poppy over her absence at Upheaval Festival. He clarified that he had no issue with the pop artist’s decision to skip her performance. The incident occurred when Poppy was forced to miss her scheduled set at the festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 17, 2026. Hazardous air quality caused by wildfire smoke from Canada made it impossible for her to perform safely.
Radke’s initial comment on social media read, “I get it, but imagine if I did this.” Some fans interpreted this as criticism of Poppy’s choice. However, when a fan account claimed that Radke was “shading Poppy” and that “Falling in Reverse’s lead singer commented on Poppy’s recent absence,” Radke quickly pushed back. He stated “This is a lie” and clarified his position on the matter.
The situation highlights how different artists’ decisions are perceived and judged by the public. Poppy had explained her absence through an Instagram statement. The Air Quality Index had soared past 350—well into the hazardous range—right around her set time. This made it impossible for her to perform safely. Her backing band still took the stage that evening, delivering an instrumental set while wearing protective masks to shield themselves from the dangerous air conditions.
Wildfire smoke from southeastern Canada and Minnesota blanketed the Midwest during mid-July 2026. This created unprecedented challenges for outdoor events across the region. Michigan issued a widespread air quality alert for the entire weekend. The hazardous conditions affected not only Upheaval Festival but also prompted numerous other concert cancellations and event postponements throughout the Midwest. Health officials advised residents to remain indoors during peak pollution hours.
Poppy’s decision to protect her vocal health in such extreme conditions reflected a growing awareness among performers about the serious health risks posed by hazardous air quality. The singer stated that she was “unable to breathe in those conditions.” This underscored the genuine physical danger presented by the smoke. Her band’s willingness to perform an instrumental set demonstrated their commitment to the festival while respecting the health constraints that prevented Poppy from taking the stage.
The incident serves as a reminder of how environmental factors can impact live music events. Artists must sometimes make difficult decisions to protect their health and careers. Radke’s clarification that he supported Poppy’s choice suggests a broader understanding within the music community. Such decisions are not about shirking responsibility but about responding responsibly to genuine health emergencies. The double standards Radke referenced in his original comment appear to relate to how different artists’ decisions might be judged differently by audiences, rather than criticism of Poppy’s specific choice.
