Adele ‘losing millions’ through fear of playing huge audiences

CHART-TOPPING singer Adele is potentially turning down millions of pounds after vowing never to play festivals or arenas, despite her astonishing success.

The 23-year-old said she is frightened of playing huge audiences and is worried about having an “anxiety attack”.

In an interview with Q magazine, she points out that money is not her motivation.

The singer, whose career rocketed after performing Someone Like You at the Brits in February, is estimated to be worth £6 million, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.

But she is determined to continue playing small venues. Despite her audience swelling, her dates still take place in theatre-sized venues, even though a number of dates have been upgraded to places with more seats.

She told Q: “I will not do festivals. The thought of an audience that big frightens the life out of me. I don’t think the music would work either. It’s all too slow.

“I’d hate to book a festival and have a f****** anxiety attack and then not go on stage, do you know what I mean?”

Arenas are also out. She revealed that her management team had an option to book three nights at the 23,000-capacity London O2 Arena but she rejected the idea.

In the interview, published today in the July edition of the magazine, the singer rejected the idea of tie-ups with major brands.

“It depends on what kind of artist you wanna be but I don’t want my name anywhere near another brand. I don’t wanna be tainted or haunted — I don’t wanna sell out in any way.”