Gabby will not be a part of the regular line-up of First Citizens/Digicel De Big Show this Crop-Over season.
The nine-time monarch, who apologized for disappointing his fans, says he is not mentally prepared for competition this year.
“I did not want to just sing something. I have always set a very high standard for myself and I wasn’t prepared at that level, so I have decided to sit it out,” Gabby said. He noted he had written several songs for others this year.
Tent manager John King, who said Gabby would be making an appearance with the tent later in the season, said he understood the “tremendous pressure” Gabby faced every year, with so many seeking his writing skills.
“Sometimes you just have to take a break and recharge yourself,” King said. “I wish Gabberts a good rest and I know he will come back blazing, as always.” He added that the strength of the First Citizens/Digicel De Big Show was that its cast was one of “many performers with stellar track records”.
The tent opened on Sunday.