Hurts’ Adam Anderson to Skip ‘Happiness’ Anniversary Shows for Mental Health Focus

Adam Anderson from Hurts will sit out upcoming ‘Happiness’ anniversary shows to prioritize his mental health and well-being.

Adam Anderson Steps Back to Prioritize Mental Health

Adam Anderson, the talented synth-pop artist from Manchester duo Hurts, has announced he will be taking a break from their upcoming ‘Happiness’ anniversary shows to focus on his mental health and personal well-being. The band was gearing up to celebrate 15 years since the release of their debut album, Happiness, with several live performances scheduled across Europe this summer.

Hurts’ summer celebrations included a major date at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on May 22, with additional shows planned in Berlin, Ulm, Bochum, and Frankfurt, as well as appearances at festivals in Serbia and Poland. Tickets had been available for fans eager to celebrate this milestone.

Anderson’s Heartfelt Mental Health Announcement

On May 9, Anderson shared an emotional update on Instagram, revealing the difficult decision to step away from all forthcoming Hurts shows this year. “As many of you know I’ve been struggling with my mental health for years now,” he wrote. “Sadly, due to my ongoing recovery, I have taken the very difficult decision to sit out all forthcoming HURTS shows this year and focus solely on my well-being.”

He acknowledged how tough it was to make this call but emphasized it was the right step for him at this point in his life.

“It hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s the right thing for me to do at this time.” – Adam Anderson

View Adam Anderson’s Instagram Post

Support and Gratitude for Fans and Bandmate

Adam expressed his deep appreciation for his bandmate Theo Hutchcraft’s understanding and support. He mentioned that all upcoming shows will continue as planned with Theo taking center stage. "I couldn’t be happier that they’re taking place," Anderson shared warmly.

The Happiness album holds special meaning for Anderson, as it was a life-changing project for the duo. He also apologized to fans, thanking them for their unwavering support over the years.

“You’ve supported me as an individual and the band for so many years and I have never taken it for granted. I don’t want anyone to worry about me. I am doing my best to recover with a good support system around me and I look forward to getting better.”

Theo Hutchcraft’s Response: Understanding and Solidarity

Theo Hutchcraft responded via Instagram Stories, expressing how “totally gutted” he was by the news but fully respected Adam’s decision to put his health first.

“Adam and I have built this band together and he’s given everything to it over the last 15 years,” Theo said. “We’re lifelong friends and partners.”

He assured fans that he will carry the torch on stage with the incredible Hurts band, promising to make the summer shows memorable for every fan, whether in the front row or watching from afar.

“We’ll be sure to bring the vision to life and make it a summer to remember. Whether you’re in the front row or watching from afar. Love you mate x”.

Enjoy Hurts’ Iconic Track: Wonderful Life

Experience the emotional depth and musical brilliance of Hurts with their track "Wonderful Life" (New Version):

Adam Anderson’s Ongoing Battle with Mental Health

Adam has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety over the years. In 2017, he shared that he has suffered from anxiety and depression for over 20 years, starting as a teenager and worsening over time.

“I’ve suffered with anxiety and depression for over 20 years. It began as a teenager and has got progressively worse as I’ve got older,” he wrote.

He described the harsh reality of mental health struggles, emphasizing that suffering is real and not romanticized. “There is no hierarchy to which it conforms. We are all vulnerable.” Anderson advocates living with an open heart, without hiding or acting.

Later, he explained the relief he found in going public with his struggles, describing the process in two stages: first, writing about it, which lifted a weight off his shoulders, and second, the act of allowing others to know about it.

“If you don’t externalise it, then it festers inside you.” – Adam Anderson

Reflecting on ‘Happiness’ and Its Legacy

Hurts recently reflected on the powerful legacy of their debut album. Happiness was the fastest-selling debut album in the UK in 2010. Theo Hutchcraft remarked on the band's intention to create an album that was divisive yet ambitious—something both alternative and pop, designed to provoke strong reactions.

“We thrived off the divisiveness of the band. That was the aim – to create something that people loved for the same reason that other people hated it. The confusing reviews would read exactly the same but one would be zero stars and the other would be five stars! We were trying to make an alternative record but also a pop record with ambition that had no bounds.”

Mental Health Support Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are many organizations ready to help:

• CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably
• Help Musicians UK – 24/7 mental health support for musicians (Call Music Minds Matter: 0808 802 8008)
• Music Support Org – Help for musicians with addiction or mental health (Call: 0800 030 6789)
• YOUNG MINDS – Advocating for young people’s health and wellbeing
• Time To Change – Ending mental health discrimination
• The Samaritans – Confidential 24/7 support

Conclusion

Adam Anderson’s decision to prioritize his mental health is a powerful reminder that well-being should always come first, even amid exciting career milestones. How do you think the music industry can better support artists facing mental health challenges?

• How long has Adam Anderson struggled with mental health issues?
  Adam has battled anxiety and depression for over 20 years, starting in his teenage years.
• Will Hurts still perform the ‘Happiness’ anniversary shows?
  Yes, the shows will go on with Theo Hutchcraft performing alongside the Hurts band.
• What inspired Adam Anderson to share his mental health journey publicly?
  Writing about his struggles helped relieve some of the burden, and sharing his story allowed him to externalize his pain.
• What is significant about Hurts’ album ‘Happiness’?
  It was the fastest-selling debut album in the UK in 2010 and remains a landmark for its bold mix of alternative and pop.
• Where can fans find support for mental health issues?
  There are many resources like CALM, Help Musicians UK, Music Support Org, Young Minds, Time To Change, and The Samaritans offering help and advice.

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