Modern Baseball are launching a tour of Europe and the UK this Thursday in Paris, but co-frontman Brendan Lukens will not be going. Lukens posted a note to the band’s Facebook account today explaining that he’s staying home to focus on his mental and physical health. Lukens, who has been vocal about the band’s role in his battle against depression and mental illness, also shared a number of crisis hotlines and urged others struggling with mental illness to get the help they need: “It’s a long journey to understanding and coping with your illness but I have so much faith in y’all, and myself.” Hopefully he experiences all the support and restoration he needs and comes out of this stronger than ever. Read Lukens’ full note below.

Hello fam – Bren here,

I have some unexpected news. I will not be joining Modern Baseball on the upcoming Europe / UK tour. I am okay — but I need this time at home to focus on my mental and physical health. The band will continue on with the tour thanks to help from mega friends Thins Lips, Superweaks and all the MOBO crew. This was an incredibly hard decision for me, and it was even harder confronting myself and the band about how I am feeling. Still, I know this is what I need right now. I can never thank MOBO and our crew enough for taking on the roles they have to support me.
I love y’all very much.

Mental illness is very serious and should never be taken lightly. It’s a long journey to understanding and coping with your illness but I have so much faith in y’all, and myself. If you or a friend ever feels lonely, depressed, sad, confused, whatever here are some crisis hotlines you can call. Again, I love y’all very much — talk soon 💗💖💗💖

More US & International Hotlines @
www.buddy-project.org/hotlines/

Or google search “crisis hotlines”

No word yet on whether Lukens will rejoin Modern Baseball for the North American leg of their tour, which is scheduled to begin on St. Patrick’s Day.