*WARNING* This is a difficult topic for some *WARNING*
Let me begin to remind our readers how important it is to take care of one’s mental health, beyond all else. That means that at times, artists will need to put their physical and mental health before any musical commitments they may have.
In 2015 we wrote about Nicky Romero addressing anxiety. That is when we first addressed the issue that the industry does not pay enough attention to the mental health of artists, producers and performers.
The door has been open for quite some time, but crowds are not pouring in. Please remember; HEALTH IS IMPORTANT. If you have any ideas of hurting yourself in any way, the National Suicide Hotline is a service that will talk with you no matter what. The worth of your life is more important than anything else. A 24-hour phone service is available at 1-800-273-8255. If you are not comfortable making a phone call, there is a text-based service you can find here.
That being said, it comes with a heavy heart that the remaining of Ben Pearce’s 2016 tour will be cancelled. Pearce has been attempting to cope with his mental illness but recently as he states in his letter, the depression that he has been battling was getting to be too overwhelming. Pearce notes that every part of his life has been effected worse than ever before by this bout of depression. He will be cancelling any performances for the foreseeable future because he knows that he needs to make this the priority.
For fans who are afraid that this means he will no longer create music or that he has completely terminated his career, do not be afraid. Pearce does not give a timeframe, nor does he make any promises about when he comes back. But, he does state that this is not saying goodbye forever. at the bottom of the page is the letter that he wrote to his fans and anyone who is concerned.
For any fans who have questions regarding this announcement or any management concerns, email
matthew@oldworld-newworld.com
We are hoping that everything works the best for Pearce. We are glad he is taking this time and it is our hope that we are given frequent updates as to know how he is doing. We encourage positive words, thoughts and prayers directed towards Pearce during this time.
The Full Message from Pearce:
I have an important message for all my fans, especially anybody who is planning on seeing me DJ this year.
It is with a deep regret I am cancelling all my upcoming shows for 2016. I’ve battled with depression for the past few years and despite professional help I have reached a place where I know this is sadly the only choice I’m left with. It has nearly pushed me to saying goodbye altogether a few times and now more than ever I feel that is a huge risk. It’s affected every part of my life, I never used to have social or performance anxiety and now I suffer with it terribly. It is real, it isn’t talked about enough in society or the music industry and I hope my fans and fellow industry members can understand my decision. It can be easy to hide behind your social media or intoxicants and pretend it isn’t happening but that doesn’t help in the long run.
This isn’t a goodbye forever at this stage; this is taking the time and the steps necessary to make an attempt at recovery towards leading a healthy mental state of mind. I may still be making music, I’m not sure yet what will happen. I hope I can come back from this, I know deep down I am truly grateful and lucky to be able to do this for a living.
Lastly I would like to thank each and every one of you who has supported me, you’re the only reason I’m not still working in a call centre and do not for one second think I am not extremely grateful for that.
Ben x
For any management enquiries please contact: matthew@oldworld-newworld.com
https://twitter.com/BenPearceDJ/status/755045295105404929
I have an important message for all my fans, especially anybody who is planning on seeing me DJ this year.
It is with a…
Posted by Ben Pearce on Monday, July 18, 2016