Ryley Walker Cancels European Tour Due to Mental Health Challenges

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Ryley Walker Cancels European Tour Due to Mental Health Challenges

“I desperately need to take time to seek clarity through professional help.”

Mar 27, 2019 By Christopher Roberts Ryley Walker

Warm thoughts go out to Ryley Walker, who has cancelled next month’s European tour for some serious self-care. In a Facebook post Walker writes “my mental health is at an all time low, and those closest to me have determined its best I seek help instead of going on tour.” It’s good that he has people watching out for him and he’s accepting the help.

Here’s his full statement:

“Hey everybody

I wish to express my sincere apologies for canceling, but I gotta call April euro tour off.

my mental health is at an all time low, and those closest to me have determined its best I seek help instead of going on tour. I have always prided myself on work ethic and never canceling a gig. However, my life is at risk. I desperately need to take time to seek clarity through professional help. Need to be cared for in a controlled environment. I’m gonna try to kick my substance abuse and extreme depression. Both have been a part of my life since I was very young, and it’s all coming to a head. I’m suffering. I need to protect myself and those around me from self destruction.

I appreciate your understanding and I’m so sorry to the promoters who worked really hard to set the gigs up. I’ll try to make it back when I’m healthier. I love playing tunes with all my heart and the friends I’ve made over the years. I love you all.”

Walker released two great albums in 2018, starting with Deafman Glance in May via Dead Oceans. Then he released another new album, The Lillywhite Sessions, in November also via Dead Oceans. It wasn’t your average follow-up album. Instead he took an unreleased Dave Matthews Band album from 2001 and covered it track-for-track.

Read our 2018 interview with Walker on Deafman Glance.

We wish Walker the best of luck in his efforts to get to a healthier place.