Harley Flanagan Considers Scaling Back on Touring

Renowned for his electrifying stage presence, Cro-Mags frontman Harley Flanagan has shared a significant update regarding his future in music. In a reflective post on Instagram, Flanagan indicated that his extensive touring days might be coming to a close as he contemplates the next chapter of his career.

Insights from Harley Flanagan on Touring

Despite maintaining his fitness and energy at the age of 59, Flanagan’s recent Instagram post featured an image of a concert crowd with the caption, “I can feel it in my bones, my touring days are coming to an end.” This statement marks a poignant moment for the artist as he begins to assess the sustainability of his touring lifestyle.

Flanagan candidly expressed uncertainty about how many more tours he has left in him, noting, “Don’t know how many more I got in me… But it’s winding down…. I’ve been on the road since the 70s. Even Stigma can’t say that lol.” He elaborated on his changing perspective of touring, explaining that it originally served as an escape from a challenging living situation. “This used to be an escape from living in squats. I don’t live in a squat anymore,” he stated.

While he still enjoys making music, Flanagan admitted that the rigors of travel have become less appealing. “I have nine more shows booked after this tour. I’m gonna take a break for a little while and think this through,” he said. He is also in the process of finalizing a new album, which he believes may be his best work yet. “All I want is to write one good album that really makes me happy. Then we will see what happens,” he added.

Reflecting on the nature of touring, Flanagan concluded, “I’m not saying I’m gonna stop playing altogether. But I’m done grinding it out on tour. I’ll play when I feel like it, but this shit is done, touring is a young man’s/woman’s sport. I like to eat right, I like to sleep right, and I like to wake up next to my wife. I actually love my life. I’m not trying to escape it anymore. When you find happiness, hold onto it. I don’t wanna spend my whole life on the road and die without holding onto the life I have created for myself.”

A Brief History of Harley Flanagan and Cro-Mags

Harley Flanagan is a pivotal figure in the hardcore punk scene as a founding member of Cro-Mags, a band that originated in 1981. Their debut studio album, The Age of Quarrel, released in 1986, solidified their place in music history. After releasing four songs in their initial phase, the band faced a hiatus following their 1993 album, Near Death Experience. However, they regrouped in the late ’90s and resumed touring.

This reunion revitalized their creative output, leading to the release of the 2000 album, Revenge. Yet, internal conflicts and legal battles, particularly concerning the use of the band name, led to another split in 2002. By 2019, Flanagan regained full ownership of the Cro-Mags name, which paved the way for new music, including their latest studio album, In the Beginning, released in 2020.

The Future of Cro-Mags

In recent years, Cro-Mags has focused on new musical projects, and with a record deal signed earlier this year, fans can anticipate another album set for release in 2027. For updates on touring and other developments, followers are encouraged to stay connected through the band’s official website.

Conclusion

As Harley Flanagan contemplates a shift away from extensive touring, his reflections resonate with many artists who grapple with the demands of a career in music. While he may be stepping back from the grind of the road, his passion for music remains evident, and fans can look forward to new creations that embody his artistic journey.

FAQs

Will Harley Flanagan stop performing altogether?

No, Flanagan has indicated that he is not planning to stop playing music entirely, but he intends to scale back on extensive touring.

What is Harley Flanagan currently working on?

He is finalizing a new album, which he believes may be his best work yet, and has nine more shows booked after his current tour.

When can fans expect new music from Cro-Mags?

A new album from Cro-Mags is anticipated for release in 2027, following their recent record deal.