Devin Townsend, the ever-restless Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer, has revealed that his upcoming North American tour will be his final series of shows for the foreseeable future. The tour, which kicks off on May 2 in Nashville, Tennessee, marks a significant pause in a career that has spanned more than three decades of relentless creativity.
“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 a heartfelt message released earlier today. “My mind latches on to concepts, and I love chasing them down. That chase has made this journey wild, unpredictable, and deeply fulfilling.”
Townsend acknowledged that throughout the years, fans and friends alike have encouraged him to slow down. “Over the years, I’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 explained.
But times have changed. Since the pandemic, planning a tour has become increasingly complex. “Booking tours now means planning up to two years in advance. With fewer venues, fewer crews, and a saturated touring circuit, it’s become more challenging than ever to line things up,” he wrote. More personally, Townsend admits, “life has simply caught up with me: my parents need help, my dogs are on their last legs, the kids have moved out, The Moth is nearly complete, and truthfully, I need some time to breathe and recalibrate.”
In light of these shifts, he made the decision many fans have long feared but perhaps also understood: “So I’ve made the decision to take a break from touring — an indefinite one. This upcoming North American run will be the last time you’ll see me on stage for the foreseeable future.”
Still, he reassured fans that this does not signal the end of his musical journey. “That doesn’t mean I’m done playing live. Not by a long shot. I’ll be performing until my final breath,” Townsend emphasized. However, for now, his focus is elsewhere: “Right now, I need to be present for the people who need me, and to give myself the space to reflect on everything I’ve been through.”
In place of the touring cycle, Townsend is turning his energy toward a long-gestating passion project. “In the meantime, I’m launching a long-overdue project: The Ruby Quaker Show — a YouTube series where I’ll finally explore the dozens of creative ventures I’ve had on the back burner. Albums, worlds, inventions, and strange, wonderful ideas I’ve postponed for years — now I’m making the time to bring them to life, without that familiar pressure of knowing I’ll be gone again in a month.”
Townsend made it clear that while he intends to eventually return to the stage, the current break is about more than simply resting. “I will return to the stage. But first, I need to reset. Touring has been a beautiful, exhausting constant in my life, and for once, I’m listening to the voice that says: Slow down,” he explained. “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.”
As a parting gift for now, Townsend promises that these last shows will be something special. “So here’s the deal: this final North American tour is going to be something special. We’re digging deep into the catalog, pulling out some big ones, and making these shows a true celebration.”
He concluded with a heartfelt invitation: “If you’ve ever wanted to step into this world I’ve built — maybe you caught The Moth, or a song found its way to you when you needed it — now’s the time. I know things are tough economically, and I don’t take that lightly, so I’m doing everything I can to make these shows as meaningful and unforgettable as possible. Let’s make this one count.”
