Ween to Step Away From Touring for “Foreseeable Future”
Ween have announced its decision to step away from the stage for the foreseeable future. The shift comes after the band canceled appearances in Washington and Oregon three weeks ago. While the previous cancelation arrived without reason, Ween courageously acknowledged the cause of the latest shift, citing the tolling touring conditions on founding member Michael Melchiondo Jr., [alias] Dean Ween’s mental health.
The Pennsylvania-formed band publically proclaimed the change on social media this morning, recognizing the needed shift for the greater good of their friend and bandmate. The message, signed by Ween, began, “It is with sincere regret and heavy hearts that Ween must make the decision to step away from the stage for the foreseeable future. This includes next month’s sold-out Chocolate and Cheese 25th Anniversary show at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia.”
The message continued, addressing the group’s impending hometown show, which was scheduled as a celebratory event, marking 25 years of the group’s fourth studio LP, Chocolate and Cheese, “Despite three great shows this summer, it’s become clear that touring and performing is too taxing on Deaner’s mental health to continue. As always, we thank you for the love, dedication and ongoing support.”
Prior to summer shifts, Ween withdrew from the road back in April 2024. The spring note, signed by “Deaners,” began, “For the majority of my life I have been blessed enough to have a career doing the thing that I love the most. This privilege has never been lost on me. The fact that the music reaches other people and means so much to them is something that I never take for granted, and for which I am truly grateful, all of the time, every time we perform. At this moment in time though I need to step away from performing live in order to preserve my mental and spiritual well-being, and instead focus on myself and loved ones.”
He concluded on a positive note, striving for the optimal takeaway given some fan vexation, “I know this will come as a disappointment and with great inconvenience to many people who bought tickets and made travel plans, and for this I sincerely apologize. I look forward to returning to the stage with the enthusiasm, joy, and renewed sense of inspiration that our fans deserve, and that I require of myself when we play live. Thank you and god bless.”
Scroll down to view Ween’s latest update via Instagram. For the latest on Ween, visit the band’s official website.
