Photo by Dino Perrucci

Revered New Orleans vocalist Aaron Neville has announced that he will be stepping away from touring life. Neville released a statement about his decision on his social media pages. The 80-year-old singer has been recording and performing since the 1960s.

“The time has come for me to stop ripping and running on the road,” Neville wrote. “I love singing for others, it provides so much joy for me, at least as much as for those listening, if not more. Unfortunately, the grueling nature of travel and the schedule needed to make a tour work has become less than desirable.

“The current climate of our world brought me many realizations,” he continued. “Life is short and I’d like to spend my remaining time on this earth being less hurried.”

Neville did note that this would not be a “permanent goodbye.” “I will keep making more music and may show up at a special event or concert down the road,” he wrote.

Read Neville’s full note below.

Dear Friends…

I have had such an incredible and blessed journey as a musician, singer and human. The time has come for me to stop ripping and running on the road. I waited for someone to invent a way to beam me from show to show but no such luck. I love singing for others, it provides so much joy for me, at least as much as for those listening, if not more. Unfortunately, the grueling nature of travel and the schedule needed to make a tour work has become less than desirable.

The current climate of our world brought me many realizations. Life is short and I’d like to spend my remaining time on this earth being less hurried. Don’t see this as a permanent goodbye, by the grace of God, I will keep making more music and may show up at a special event or concert down the road.

Thank you to my band, crew, managers, the talented artists I’ve performed with, my wife and family. Most of all, thank you to my fans. Your support has been invaluable and the memories are countless and cherished.

It is my prayer that all the music I’ve recorded over the years will continue to provide enjoyment! May the beat go on…

-Aaron