Eminem’s recent performance in Abu Dhabi appears to subtly address the loss of his mother, Debbie Nelson, just days after her passing.
Eminem took to the stage at the Yas Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for the F1 Grand Prix event, performing for a crowd of 40,000 fans. The show marked his first public appearance since the death of his mother, Debbie Nelson, who passed away at 69 after battling lung cancer.
Fans noticed a poignant change during his set: Eminem omitted the lyric “Fuck you Debbie” from his 2002 hit “Without Me”. He just moved a mic towards the crowd letting the fans finish the line. The adjustment did not go unnoticed, as many interpreted it as a subtle nod to the complex emotions surrounding her passing.
Eminem’s half-brother, Nate Mathers, also expressed his conflicted feelings earlier this week, writing on Instagram, “Hatred and mixed emotions today”.
Earlier, some fans were concerned that the news might affect Eminem’s planned Middle East performances. Yet, the Detroit legend reassured them that the shows would go on. His Abu Dhabi set kicked off the run, with stops in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia still to come.
While Eminem has not spoken publicly about his mother’s passing, the lyric change suggests a moment of reflection during a time of personal loss, however complicated this relationship was.
Watch the moment from the show below:
