In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel this morning, Devin Townsend has revealed that he will be going on an "indefinite" break after his upcoming North American tour this spring.
Next month's scheduled tour dates will be Townsend's first tour in five years, which will also be fans' last chance to see him on stage for the "foreseeable future."
"For nearly 35 years, I've followed a creative path guided by instinct — each album, each tour, each project a new chapter in a story I've felt compelled to tell," Townsend shared in the video. "My mind latches on to concepts, and I love chasing them down. That chase has made this journey wild, unpredictable, and deeply fulfilling."
"Over the years, l've heard it countless times: 'Dev, take a break... please.' But the flood of ideas, the excitement, and the support of incredible musicians and listeners have kept me going, kept me touring, and kept me grateful for a life on the road," he continued. "That said, things have changed — especially since the pandemic."
He cited the challenges that come with booking tours, sharing that he has often had to book tours two years in advance due to "fewer venues, fewer crews, and a saturated touring circuit." In addition to the logistics, Townsend also revealed that "life has simply caught up to [him]."
However, Townsend reassured his fans that he is not finished playing live, but needs time to "rest." He further elaborated, "Touring has been a beautiful, exhausting constant in my life, and for once, I'm listening to the voice that says 'Slow down.' I want to create from a place of calm inspiration rather than frantic obligation. And until I can truly be there for the people who rely on me, my creativity won't be at its best."
Starting on May 2, Townsend's tour will take him across the US, and to a pair of Canadian cities: Montreal (May 13) and Toronto (May 14). He promised that he will be "digging deep into the catalogue" to make sure that the shows feel like a celebration.
Watch the full video below.