Whatever. Forever.: Modern Baseball announces hiatus

A few months ago, Brendan Lukens of Modern Baseball announced that he wouldn’t be joining the band on their winter UK tour. He released a statement saying that he needed to take some time off to take care of his mental well-being. This did not come as a surprise to many since prior to the release of their 2016 album Holy Ghost, Lukens informed fans of his struggle with depression and alcoholism. During the recording process of Holy Ghost, Lukens seemed to have some success with battling his personal demons, but ultimately believedhe was not yet ready to return to a full touring schedule. The other band members, as well as MoBo’s loyal fanbase, stood by his side and supported this decision.

The UK tour went on without Lukens. As the tour began winding down in the past few weeks, MoBo was getting ready for a full US tour this spring. However, on February 23rd, the band’s other singer, Jake Ewal, shared a statement on Facebook that Modern Baseball would be canceling their spring tour and taking a hiatus of sorts. In the statement, Ewal discusses how the band, which was ultimately started as a way for the four members to burn off some anxiety, has become the biggest source of stress and anxiety in their lives. He notes that the band has not only put an unhealthy amount of stress on him, but also on his relationships with his friends and family. Ewald’s words seemed to echo that of Lukens from the months prior. Both highlight the fact that although the band was once a cathartic release for their pain, it was time to put a little distance between themselves and the band.

There was an outpouring of love for MoBo on social media following this announcement, from fans and other bands alike. Fans offered Ewald, and the other MoBo members encouraging words and heartfelt thanks. Many reiterated the fact that mental health should come before anything, a belief the band themselves has long promoted. Some fans told stories about how MoBo’s music inspired them the seek out help for their own mental health issues and that they were proud of Ewald and Lukens for taking their own advice. The most repeated sentiment was for Lukens and Ewald to “take their time with recovery.” It was heartwarming to see a fanbase welcome a hiatus of a band so that the members could get the help they need. Several musicians reached out to the band on Twitter thanking them for the fond tour memories and applauded the band's efforts for making mental health a priority, encouraging fans to follow MoBo’s example.

I happened to listen to Holy Ghost the morning before the hiatus was announced. As I reflect on my listen through in light of this recent announcement, the hiatus doesn’t come as a surprise. The majority of songs on that album deal with the disillusionment of fame, the stress of touring, and the heavy toll it takes on relationships and friendships. Holy Ghost provided a brief glimpse into the struggles the band was facing, but somehow no one seemed to notice. Sadly, that’s how it usually goes with things like mental health: sometimes all the evidence of a struggle is there, but everyone else seems to think things are fine because they don’t want to notice the truth. I wish both Ewlad and Lukens luck on their roads to recovery and look forward to hopefully seeing Modern Baseball back at it again when they feel up to it. Until then, it’s just whatever, forever.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. It’s okay to not be okay.

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