Kanye West Reportedly Breaks Down In Tears During Paris Concert

By Associated Press
Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Just a week after the death of his mother, Donda...

Just a week after the death of his mother, Donda, Kanye West launched a European tour in Paris on Saturday, but broke down after performing for an hour, according to People.com.

Toward the end of the hour-long show at Le Zenith, as "Hey Mama" began, West attempted to introduce the song, saying, "This song is for my mother ... " but could not continue, the magazine reported.

"He said the word, 'Mother,' and just couldn't go any further," Le Parisien journalist Meddy Magloire told the magazine. "A back-up singer, the DJ and a guitar player came over to console him. It looked like he might collapse. He just couldn't continue. He just stood there in a spotlight, crying, while the band continued playing." The song, from 2005's Late Registration, is a dedication to Donda.

After a few moments of stunned silence, Magloire said, the audience offered shouts of encouragement, which grew into applause.

West reportedly restarted the song but was unable to finish. He left the stage, returning after 10-15 minutes to conclude the concert with "Stronger," the magazine reported.

"He was very nervous, seemed to have gathered himself up, and had a lot of energy," Magloire told People. "He kept shouting out to the audience, 'I need you ... I need you right now.' and the public was screaming back. It was magic."