Latest news with #TheMoth
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Devin Townsend is taking an indefinite break from touring but promises 'dozens' of projects to come
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Devin Townsend has announced an 'indefinite' break from touring, advising anyone who is planning to see him onstage to come along to his forthcoming US dates. After that, well, it's vacation time. With the rising costs of touring, the logistics involved, and the amount of time spent away from his family, the prolific Canadian prog-metal guitar trailblazer released a statement, saying it was time to press pause. '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 writes. 'That said, things have changed – especially since the pandemic. 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.' Townsend does not say how long he will be off-road for. But his upcoming dates in North America will be the only live shows in the foreseeable future. Those who can't make it could point can relive the live production of The Moth, Townsend's most ambitious – most audacious – work, and stream it in 4K UHD from On Air (priced £20.99), where it is available on demand until 28 May 2025. The Moth tells the story of life, from birth to death, and Townsend's performance of it in the Netherlands saw him accompanied by the NNO symphony orchestra and choir, plus his regular band featuring Mike Keneally, Darby Todd, and James Leach. That Netherlands show is and will be the only time he performs The Moth in its entirety. Townsend, however, will be back onstage. He just doesn't know when. Right now his priorities – familial and musical – are at home. 'Life has simply caught up with me,' he writes. '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.' And also he needs some time to devote to a the projects that have been pushed aside by Townsend's touring schedule, chief of which is The Ruby Quaker Show, a YouTube series to 'explore the dozens of creative ventures' that Townsend has prevaricated over. What sort of form will this take? All-sorts, says Townsend. There will be some weird stuff too. '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,' he writes. Townsend's latest studio album, PowerNerd, is out now via Inside Out. His US dates start on 2 May in Nashville. See Devin Townsend for upcoming tour dates and ticket details.
Axios
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
The Moth brings its storytelling magic to SF
The Moth, an open-mic storytelling platform known for its deeply personal, humorous and emotional stories, rolls out the red carpet in San Francisco Tuesday. State of play: This particular rendition of the well-known event is called a Story Slam, where attendees are chosen at random to participate in a competition where they share a true, personal, 5-minute story on that evening's theme. The theme is "All Nighter," where participants will get to tell stories about an evening where they stayed up until dawn. How it works: 10 people from the audience will be chosen at random and the winner will get the opportunity to participate in The Moth's "Grand Slam" performance, or what the organization dubs its "ultimate storytelling competition." The big picture: The tone of each story can range widely from being hilarious and cringy to heartbreaking or surprising. The goal is to inspire human connection through sharing personal, vulnerable and authentic moments. Catch up quick: The Moth was created by the novelist George Dawes Green who wanted to recreate the hot summer evening storytelling sessions of his youth in Georgia, where moths attracted to the porch light would flutter around them. Since its launch in 1997, about 60,000 stories have been told at more than 6,000 live performances. The show is broadcast on public radio stations across the U.S. as The Moth Radio Hour and is also available via podcast. Pro tip: Get there at least 10 minutes early since seating is only available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you go: Doors open at 6:30pm. The show starts at 7:30pm at Public Works, a 21+ venue at 161 Erie St. Purchase tickets for $17 here.
Perth Now
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Devin Townsend to take indefinite hiatus after North American tour
Devin Townsend will take an indefinite hiatus after the conclusion of his North American tour in May. The Prog legend, 52, plans to take a break to "breathe and recalibrate" after going at it non-stop for more than three decades. In a video update, he told fans on social media: '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. 'My mind latches on to concepts, and I love chasing them down. That chase has made this journey wild, unpredictable, and deeply fulfilling.' He continued: '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. That said, things have changed — especially since the pandemic.' Townsend noted how tours have become a logistical challenge due to 'fewer venues, fewer crews, and a saturated touring circuit.' Further to this, the musician's family need him. He explained: 'And beyond the logistics, 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. '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.' Townsend reassured fans that this does not mean he is retiring, insisting: 'I'll be performing until my final breath." He went on: '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.' Townsend's final concert of his jaunt takes place May 23 in Los Angeles.
