Mike Patton cancels upcoming Faith No More and Mr Bungle shows for mental health reasons

Mike Patton has announced the cancellation of all forthcoming Faith No More and Mr. Bungle live dates due to “mental health reasons exacerbated by the pandemic”.

In a statement released by his label Ipecac, the singer announced that the shows – the first of which was scheduled for tomorrow, September 16, and included gigs with System Of A Down – would not go ahead, as he would not be able to perform as he would like or the fans deserve.

“Sorry to report that due to mental health reasons, I cannot continue with the currently scheduled Faith No More and Mr. Bungle dates,” he wrote. “I have issues that were exacerbated by the pandemic that are challenging me right now.

“I don’t feel I can give what I should at this point and I am not going to give anything less than 100 percent. I am sorry to our fans and hope to make it up to you soon.

“The bands support me in this decision and we look forward to working through this in a healthy way.”

In their own message to fans, Mike’s Faith No More bandmates said that the disappointment of cancelling is “an understatement”, but that their friend’s wellbeing is their priority.

“To say that we feel shattered by these cancellations would be a complete understatement,” they wrote. “It has been a real challenge to return to this music after a 5 year absence, but we have been working hard for a few months now, and these last few rehearsals left no doubt that we were back to top form, which makes this statement very difficult to write.

“Coming on almost two years of pandemic and lack of work, it has been heartbreaking to give our crew the news. We consider our crew like family. And then, equally importantly, we are aware of what this means to our fans, who have been patiently supporting us– hoping, as we have, for a break in this frustrating situation. Many folks have taken isolation quite hard, and patiently waited as shows have been postponed time and time again. This will be tough for them.

“And yet in spite of all this, we have a family member who needs help. We believe that forging ahead with these dates would have had a profoundly destructive effect on Mike, whose value to us as a brother means more to us than his job as singer. He can count on our 100% support to do what he needs to do to get things right. Just as we also ask for your support right now.

“Thank you for continuing to believe in us.”

Mr. Bungle drummer Dave Lombardo also expressed his support, writing on Instagram: "My dear friend and brother in music, you have my complete support to do whatever you need to do for your mental health and over all well-being. Love, respect & support always."

Kerrang! send best wished to Mike and his bandmates, and hope you’re well enough to hit the road again soon.

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