Struggling with Success: Why Some Metal Musicians Dislike Touring

Update The Burden of Success: Why Some Musicians Dislike Touring Mikael Åkerfeldt, the renowned lead singer of progressive metal band Opeth, recently shared his heartfelt sentiments regarding the often glamorized world of music touring. Despite garnering widespread critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase over their three-decade-long career, Åkerfeldt revealed that he finds the experience of touring not only daunting but at times burdensome. Creativity vs. Performance: The Dichotomy of Tour Life In an interview, Åkerfeldt articulated a dichotomy that many artists face: the joy of performing contrasted with the exhaustion of life on the road. "There are aspects that I do like [about touring]. The shows in themselves are the highlight of the day," he admitted, but he also expressed his struggles with insomnia and anxiety, which exacerbate the pressures of a touring schedule. While performing can be exhilarating and fulfilling, Åkerfeldt describes it as a "bit of a curse." The realities of constant travel and the pressure to deliver a perfect performance can overshadow the joy of playing music. A Journey Through Over Sixty Cities: Reflecting on the Touring Experience Since the release of their much-lauded album "The Last Will and Testament" in 2024, Opeth has enjoyed immense popularity. The band, known for its unique blend of progressive and metal influences, has headlined prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House and Royal Albert Hall. Although these opportunities mark significant milestones in their career, Åkerfeldt reflects on how the incessant nature of touring has dampened his enthusiasm over the years. "It's not necessarily creative work for me anymore; it's just repeating what I've done previously," he noted. Touring as a Necessity vs. Touring for Pleasure Åkerfeldt’s remarks bring to light a fascinating issue: many artists feel a sense of obligation to their fans, crew, and the music industry. Despite his evident discomfort with the demands of touring, Mikael Åkerfeldt emphasizes the responsibility he feels: "If I don’t move, nobody moves." This sense of obligation can weigh heavily on artists who cherish creative expression above all. The pressure to perform often pulls them away from what they love most—creating music. As he puts it, "I love the creative work. I want us to spend more time writing music, as opposed to repeating old music." This yearning for a return to the studio is felt keenly by musicians who grapple with the demanding balance of overshadowing responsibilities and personal passions. The Emotional Toll: How Musicians Cope Åkerfeldt's insights resonate profoundly within the music community, portraying an unfiltered glimpse of the mental health challenges faced by touring artists. Like many in his position, he acknowledged how pre-tour anxiety often manifests in sleepless nights leading up to performances. As Åkerfeldt candidly shared, "A few weeks before a tour start having these stress symptoms... It's related to touring. I certainly hate leaving my daughters and girlfriend." For musicians and fans alike, acknowledging the emotional toll of touring is paramount in fostering a supportive community. Finding Balance: The Continuing Journey of Opeth Despite the challenges, it’s evident that the love for music and the thrill of engaging with fans remain at the forefront of Åkerfeldt's journey. He is determined to balance small tours with periods of local creativity, expressing his desire to devote time to recording and writing music without interruptions from road life. He stated, "I want to spend more time with the creative side of things rather than the touring side." With future projects in the pipeline and a commitment to quality over quantity, Opeth seems poised to continue their artistic evolution. Community Connection: What This Means for Fans As fans passionately root for their favorite artists, understanding the human aspect behind the music can significantly deepen that connection. Åkerfeldt’s revelations remind us that the musicians we admire grapple with similar pressures as we do in our lives. As dedicated fans, supporting their journey involves recognizing their struggles, offering encouragement, and appreciating their creative outputs without added demands.