Frank Carter takes time out from touring to fight his mental health demons
"If you are struggling with the weight of the world around you, please talk to someone," he writes
Last updated 14th Sep 2017
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have pulled out of their European shows with Papa Roach while Frank prioritises his mental health.
In a candid post on the band’s official Facebook page, Frank said he was “taking some time away from touring to focus on finding the light within myself” and told fans “no person should ever have to constantly fight through demons.”
Franks full statement reads:
“The past two years have been a whirlwind of intensity and high emotion for myself and my family. It has been both a wonderfully fulfilling and exciting place to be and at times a brutally bleak landscape that I have found myself walking in, alone and terrified.
“While visible wounds are easily sympathised, the insidious nature of internal pain means that talking about it can be not only a difficult situation but also one that is incredibly embarrassing and wrapped in guilt and shame.
“When life gets dark inside there is no outside light that is bright enough to show you a safe passage. When you cannot find the light in yourself, that is when the real fight begins. Recently I have found myself fighting harder and much more frequently than I think is either healthy or acceptable.
“No person should ever have to constantly fight through demons.
“So instead, I am taking some time away from touring to focus on finding the light within myself to be able to always find a safe passage through any situation that the dark labyrinthine confines of my mind can throw at me. I will therefore not be able to perform on our upcoming European tour with Papa Roach.
“I am incredibly lucky to have the life that I have, I want to be able to enjoy it for a long time and the only way I can do that is to be brutally honest with myself and stand up and say "I am not ok..."
“But I will be.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding while I work this out. I have a lot more to offer the world, and I look forward to sharing it with you all when I am a stronger, happier and healthier person.
“If you are struggling with the weight of the world around you, please talk to someone. Embarrassment breeds Shame, shame breeds loneliness and loneliness will kill you if you let it.
“You are not alone.
“Frank Carter”
The scheduled Papa Roach shows take place across mainland Europe throughout this month and conclude in Madrid on 15th October.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are due to play their own headline tour this December including an epic closing show at London’s Brixton Academy.
If you are affected by any issues in this article, you can contact the Samaritans 116 123 or CALM on 0800 58 58 58.