'It's Been An Absolute Pleasure': Marlon Williams Announces Hiatus From Touring

Williams explained that he wants to continue writing and releasing music for as long as possible, “and this is the way to do it.”

Marlon Williams

Marlon Williams has shared some surprise news today, announcing that he’ll be taking an extended break from touring. His final shows – for now – will take place with his band, The Yarra Benders, in Australia next month.

Marlon Williams On His Te Reo Māori Journey For ‘Te Whare Tīwekaweka’: ‘The World Just Feels Sort Of Open Again’

The announcement comes after a series of intense creative ventures by the New Zealand singer-songwriter and musician. Last April, Williams released his first-ever entirely Māori language album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, which featured Lorde on the track Kāhore He Manu E. He also spent two years filming the documentary Ngā Ao E Rua - Two Worlds, which was released last year.

Now, following those two journeys, Williams has decided to take some time away from the stage. In a statement, he revealed that “it’s time to take some time” and embark on a hiatus from touring.

While sharing some of the incredible highlights of his career, such as performing with musicians, songwriters, and friends, there’s been a “catch”: Williams has overlooked the toll that touring life has taken on his body and soul.

Really, Williams explained that he wants to continue writing and releasing music for as long as possible, “and this is the way to do it.”

You can read his statement below.

I’m gonna take some time away for a bit.

Probably not ages in the scheme of things, but it’s time to take some time!

I’ve been extraordinarily lucky in that my vocational life has always cleaved very closely to my personal aspirations; I’ve always been able to “live my calling”, as it were. For nearly 20 years I’ve explored both the physical and musical world in the company of incredible musicians, songwriters and friends and it’s been an absolute pleasure.

The catch with it is that because it’s such a blessing to do what you love, it can be easy to overlook the toll it can take over time, on body and soul.

The concept of rāhui is central to te Ao Māori and is indeed familiar to most New Zealanders. As Te Aka, the online Māori dictionary defines it, “to put in place a temporary ritual prohibition, closed season, ban, reserve”. Rāhui can be placed by mana whenua on a specific location out of respect of a tragic death in the area rendering it tapu, and they are also put in place in the pure interests of conservation; the idea that resources can be overtapped, and periods of restriction and recovery are essential to the continued wellbeing of those resources. It was this meaning that helped crystallise my thinking about my own personal case; I want to continue doing what I love for as long as possible, and this is the way to do it.

Next month, Williams will return to Australia for the last time for a while. All shows, excluding Fremantle, will find him accompanied by kapa haka group Ngā Mātai Pūrua.

As part of his forthcoming tour, Williams will perform as part of multiple live music programs: Sydney’s Twilight At Taronga, Melbourne’s Live At The Gardens, and QPAC’s On The Banks series. Plus, he’ll appear on the Golden Plains and WOMADelaide bills, and a special headline show in Fremantle.

Tickets to the shows are available here.