By Michaela Gordoni
Christian artist John Mark McMillan just announced that his fall tour will be his last.
“I have some sad news,” he announced on Instagram. “This will be my last tour.”
McMillan heavily influenced the indie Christian music space, so this news may come as a shock to some of his fans.
“It’s time for me to enter a new phase in my life where music is no longer my full-time endeavor,” he said. “I want to write books, pour into a new generation of creatives, and focus on local projects.”
Music industry stress and financial issues also impacted his decision.
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“Plus, I know what you’re thinking: yes, the stress related to the economy and the current state of the music industry is a significant factor,” the artist admitted. “Money has never been my primary motivation, but the financial burden of living in a world where music has little or no monetary value has made it hard to find a sustainable model.”
He looks forward to leaving the stress behind as he moves on to other things.
“Music will always be a part of my life,” he said. “I’ll participate in a few special events next year and may join friends on shows. But after this Fall tour, my touring days are finished, at least for the foreseeable future.”
“It’s been a beautiful 20 years, and you guys have been the best part,” said McMillan. “If you can make it to one of these final shows, I’d love to see you. Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement.”
McMillan released his first album, Hope Anthology Volume 1, in 2002. His 2005 song, “How He Loves,” grew in popularity after the David Crowder Band covered it, and it was a Dove Award nominee in 2010, ChurchLeaders reported.
McMillan said of his music earlier this year, “I wanted to embrace the uncool. I wanted to write worship music that was sincere, even if it was a little cringey or earnest or cheesy. Because it turns out, the uncool might be the blessing.”
He said music is a tricky business.
“In business, when something works, you double down. But art doesn’t work that way,” he explained. “If you just repeat what people like, you end up a caricature. You stop telling the truth.”
McMillan started his tour on Sept. 3 and will hit cities throughout the U.S. through Sept. 21. Ticket information can be found at johnmarkmcmillan.com.
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