Industrial metal juggernaut Godflesh is giving up the touring and performing live, as the band’s architect Justin K. Broadrick is no longer able to perform due to ongoing health issues.
News of this change in the band’s status came about when Broadrick posted a deeply personal statement on his Instagram page letting fans know what was going on. According to the 57 year old musician, he recently underwent open abdominal surgery to have a large inguinal hernia fixed before it became an emergency. Unfortunately, the operation required a six-inch incision, resulting in a weaker abdominal wall.
That weakened abdominal wall, Broadrick explained, means that he’s now no longer able to withstand the daily stresses of performing live and traveling all over the place for tours. Not only would it make it hard to move around, but a weakened abdominal wall greatly affects his ability to belt out notes and scream, which is a major part of Godflesh’s sound.
Despite a lack of future touring, Godflesh isn’t necessarily done in the studio .Their forthcoming release Decay is already done and is getting mixed for a possible June or July release through Relapse Records.
Finally, Broadrick said the band’s now final album has already been written and should be recorded and completed by later this year. Following that album’s release, Godflesh will put out no more new material, nor will they play live anymore.
It’s a shame to see things end like this for a band like Godflesh, but a person’s health is obviously more important. To give him his space, here’s Broadrick’s full statement:
“I’ve dreaded sharing this news, partly due to the threat of insensitive and/or negative comments, combined simply with the general anxiety of it all, I am also exhausted, but I’ve left comments on.
“So, 3 weeks ago I had significant open abdominal surgery for a inguinal hernia that was close to an emergency. I am still in shock from the process, and as someone with diagnosed Autism and C-PTSD, open surgery is absolutely debilitating, not that it is easier for anyone of course.
“I had a huge hernia, and for it to be repaired, I had to endure a 6 inch incision in my groin. This unfortunately was not keyhole surgery. I have a very weak abdominal wall, which at being 57 yrs old this year, is not going to improve.
“If I continue to perform and shout/scream as I do with Godflesh, then I am at high risk for more hernias, and blowing out my abdominal wall entirely. Godflesh live ended the day of my surgery, and upon the surgeon making this statement. I am now just about walking freely, but with little pace, albeit extremely carefully.
“The full healing process is approximately 6 months. Fortunately, my other projects do not require screaming/shouting nor a physically demanding performance; jesu and JK FLESH shows remain.
“I have been mixing, what will be the penultimate Godflesh album – DECAY, for release on Relapse in hopefully July/Aug, mixes are being completed imminently. The album is basically done. I’ve had the final Godflesh studio album written, for almost a year and half now, that will be recorded and completed late 2026.
“After that there will continue to be Godflesh dub albums, live albums, and so on, but no new studio releases nor performances.
“In the near future, a new solo project will emerge, further exploring the parameters of heavy/ugly music, featuring my guitars and electronics, and of course vocals, but NOT shouted vocals!
“Regarding Godflesh in Athens, Gr, please contact the promotion for details, etc. There will be an official announcement via my agency/management regarding this ASAP.
“Thank you for your understanding.
“Take care out there.
“Justin”
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