Blood Youth announce hiatus

British hardcore quartet Blood Youth have announced that effective immediately the band are going on hiatus, and that all forthcoming shows have been cancelled.

Sharing the news on Instagram, the band put the decision down to changes in the music industry in the wake of the pandemic, and thanked fans for almost a decade of support.

“Hey everyone, this isn’t easy for me to write.

But as of now and for the time being, Blood Youth will be going on hiatus. As a result, unfortunately, all upcoming tours and appearances will be cancelled, and tickets will be refunded. This isn’t something we take lightly, and we apologise for any inconvenience.

"Blood Youth started in January 2015 and since then has been all we know, and without a stretch of truth – the number one priority in our lives. We gave up everything throughout the years for the love of what we do, and we’ve always been proud of our morals, professionalism/work ethic, and separation from the pack inside this toxic and imbalanced industry. We never followed nothing or nobody and never relied on anyone for anything. I will always be proud of what Blood Youth has become through that."

"Up until COVID-19, everything was good in terms of being a band. We had a regular touring schedule and we were finding our place within music. Which all we’ve ever wanted. It’s never been about the money, we’ve only ever wanted to reach a level where we can tour regularly and share our message and love for the live show with as many people as possible across the world. But obviously, the world had other plans, and it hasn’t been the same since. We’re not a band that can survive doing nothing, we’ve always been a band born into and made for touring. And not doing so has resulted in an extreme decline and shift in my own mental health as it’s what I and certain others have given up the best part of our lives relentlessly working towards being able to do. And I refuse to sit back and watch one person’s 8 years become another person’s 8 seconds.

"My heart is genuinely broken writing this. Especially given how many incredible memories we’ve created throughout the past 8 years, the insane amount of things we’ve ticked off bucket lists, life long friendships, the music we’ve made, the bands we’ve helped and seen grow throughout our time, and how many amazing/inspirational fans we’ve made throughout that time. These are things that will never be forgotten, whole heartedly. And you’ve always got a home with Blood Youth. Thank you.

"I did everything I could to keep this going, I really did. And I truly don’t want this, but it’s somehow happening.

"I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but for now. I need a break.”

READ THIS: Bad Omens: “Most stuff people in our space are doing is kind of boring… I want to challenge myself and struggle when I create”