El Debarge Enters Rehabilitation, Cancels Tour

(CBS) Singer El Debarge announced Monday that he would immediately enter rehab for substance abuse problems, canceling a long-awaited tour just days before it was scheduled to begin, according a press release on the singer's website.

PICTURES: Stars in Rehab

The 49-year-old R&B star has been on a bit of a comeback the past few months. He released "Second Chance" - his first album in 16 years - last November and put on a show-stopping performance at last year's BET Awards, according to MTV.

Everything seemed ready for Debarge to cement his return with a North American tour alongside Grammy-nominated singer KEM. Now it seems the tour - and Debarge's comeback - are on indefinite hold.

Debarge has been open about his struggles with drug abuse - particularly crack and heroin. In the press release, Debarge stated, "I hate to disappoint my fans but it is necessary for me to take the time to work on me so that I may continue to share my music and my story with everyone."

The voice of such songs as the 80s classic "Rhythm of the Night," Debarge has been a star in the R&B and Soul music scenes for almost 25 years. Sadly, drugs have reportedly plagued him for the majority of those years. The crooner was arrested on three occasions for drug possession and served a nearly two-year stint in prison from 2008 to 2009, according to BET.

31 Photos

Stars in rehab

[Deeva]

Guess what folks! El has returned and will be on tour May 6,2011 in Durham, N.C. Go to his website at elssexysoul.net and click on DeBarge Family News. Also, just as I suspected and tried to explain to some, it was indeed his grueling schedule that added undue pressure to his circumstances. It's a good thing when you don't jump on the 'gossip' train isn't it! :)

[light43]

I know my opinion won't be a popular one, BUT..El should have went straight into rehab as soon as he came out of prison awhile back. In all honesty, after watching that UNSUNG episode, those siblings that had addictions should have went into some type of rehab eons ago. Why didn't anyone show Bobby Debarge this much concern while he went through so much with his addictions? I would rather have these artists ALIVE, WELL, AND SOBER..rather than dead from drugs because of the pressures of being in the music industry, etc. It's been many years, but I still mourn the death of Bobby. If there is any hope of El staying clean he should stay out of the music industry all together. It's not worth his life. I wish him all the best and lots of prayers..but the parasites lurking around every corner in that business(music), waiting for weaknesses to resurface; it just defeats the whole purpose of anyone wanting to kick any kind of addiction.

[jasmine923]

El, I am routing for you, GOD is a good GOD and he is a GOD of 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th as many times as it takes, he will never leave you or forsake you, I will never give up on you because I know what you are going through, and the good thing is that you reached out for help, and what ever got in your way you know now what to stay away from and pace yourself, because you are only human, GOD BLESS AND STAY STRONG.

[Deeva]

Jasmine923.....Beautifully said!!! Eldra, I couldn't agree with her more! You indeed have a lot of prayers, love and best wishes being sent out to you! Please, stay strong in the Lord because we are still with you.

[zenally]

El, I'm behind you 100%. You have a lot of resources that are more than willing to help you, so please take advantage of them. I'm sure its not easy. Take it one step at a time. I'll keep you in my prayers. We Love you man! Get well soon. I really want to see you happy and in concert.


-Zenally

[gaylynnflint]

El, Jesus promised that he would never leave or forsake us! You can safely trust him!Surrender all, and he will take care of you and heal you.Love always.........you've kept me on my treadmill a many hour, when I was tired and wanted to get off your music kept me going...LOL again THANK YOU.

[Deeva]

I also give much respect and admiration for El's decision to enter rehab to re-strength himself. As his fans know, he had a very grueling touring schedule last year (2010) through January of this year (2011). Then, to top that off, a more demanding tour was facing him begining February of 2011. My goodness, it wears me out just thinking about all of that going!!!! There is no doubt in my mind that El did the right thing by taking this time for himself! As one person here said, at least he went to the right place for reinforcement. Rehab was indeed a far wiser choice than the choice he made before. I personally believe that God has his hand on Eldra's shoulder. I will continue to send my prayers out for him along with others who are praying too. He has a God given talent for sure. My love and support are totally with Eldra P. DeBarge!

[Deeva]

I also give much respect and admiration for El's decision to enter rehab to re-strength himself. As his fans know, he had a very grueling touring schedule last year (2010)through January of this year (2011). Then, to top that off, a more demanding tour was facing him begining February of 2011. My goodness, it wears me out just thinking about all of that going!!!! There is no doubt in my mind that El did the right thing by taking this time for himself! As one person here said, at least he went to the right place for reinforcement. I personally believe that God has his hand on Eldra's shoulder. I will continue to send my prayers out for him along with others who are praying too. He has a God given talent for sure.

[sheshe2011]

El I hope u get well soon. Your fans are behind you 100%

[CedSydewinder]

El, I wish you the best on the next (challenging but ULTIMATELY important)'leg', so to speak, of your journey. Addiction, can be a B**CH. I've been there and I still grapple with it at times (esp. when stressed) It seems, the comments in this discussion, a lot of people are in "your corner". The encouragement,prayers and well wishes are sincere and caring! This, in itself is of great value, because it's an honest show of support at a time when it's most needed.
Prayer, meditation and other measures of spirituality are great too. They can provide guidence, inner strength, and self-reflection upon which you can draw, to become more at peace with who YOU, are, WITHOUT the "additives". True spirituality also tends to make people more mindful of the needs of others and more compassionate. In turn, this can put him/her in a better position to help others who struggle as they once struggled.
However, unless someone has truly struggled with an addiction (which could be anything- alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, compulsive shopping), they truly DON'T understand the primary reason, why those who battle it, can't just "quit". Granted, it's not an unfair position, considering the fact addictions have destoyed MANY families, relationships, careers and lives. So why can't an addict, in many cases, just "stop"? (my "FAVORITE"- pile of horse manure is the age-old FOOL HARDY notion that he/she must "have no willpower" Or, they'll think "it's all in their mind".
Well, to those who quip "it's all in their mind", I'll credit you with the fact that you're HALF right! Because it TRULY is in a persons' mind....However, the context in which it was meant puts it in the same catagory as those who think itls a lack of "will power." It is in the person's mind---meaning his/her BRAIN! It's SUCH a relief to know that in recent years, the medical community finally discovered, determined, AND PROVED, that the reason some folks become "addicts" and others don't has MUCH to do with brain chemistry (neurotransmitters/synapses, chemicals the brain produces naturally--i.e. seretonin, dopamine in particular). They've proven time and again that there's often a chemical imbalance, in the brain of people prone to addiction. Not only has this been proven, but the fact that many drugs, (esp. alcohol) alter a person's brain chemistry, making ceasation even more difficult!

[boozec]

EL jus keep your head up keep your eye on the prize and and god will give u the strength to come through this the cd is hot have always loved your music many blessing to u!!