“We get paid very well… but when you get burnt out, nothing helps”: John Mayer and Shawn Mendes get real about the dark side of touring
In a world where success is measured by sold-out arenas and chart-topping hits, the personal cost of staying on top is often overshadowed by the glamour of it all. From Sam Fender to Lewis Capaldi and The Cadillac Three, history has shown that the relentless pace of touring can take a toll, even on those at the very top of their game.
In a recent conversation with Interview Magazine, John Mayer and Shawn Mendes open up about their own struggles with the demands of life on the road, and how no amount of money can alleviate the pain of burnout.
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As Mayer explains, “It’s an away game. I’ve brought the blanket, I’ve brought the candle, I’ve brought all these things I thought were going to work, but I didn’t bring the unifying mass that was supposed to come with me, which is the comfort I have at home.”
“Every time I pack for a tour, I truly believe that it’s going to be the time I successfully bring with me who I am at home,” he adds. Yet, Four Seasons in the middle of nowhere always ends up feeling just that — like Four Seasons in the middle of nowhere.
And while the financial rewards of successful touring are undeniable, both artists emphasise that money can’t fix the exhaustion.
“People don’t understand,” Mayer says, “because we get paid very well to manage this stuff, but when you get burnt out, nothing helps.”
This sentiment resonates with Mendes, who cancelled his Wonder world tour in 2022 citing post-pandemic stress. Which is why for his latest comeback – his fifth LP Shawn, due out 15 November – the singer is choosing to perform in small venues over arenas.
“I’m going to announce six shows. I’m playing the whole album top to bottom,” says Mendes. “Like 500 cap.”
The post “We get paid very well… but when you get burnt out, nothing helps”: John Mayer and Shawn Mendes get real about the dark side of touring appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
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