Rusko announces indefinite hiatus after hitting 'breakdown point'

Rusko has announced an indefinite hiatus from music and touring.

The veteran UK dubstep star shared the news in a statement posted to his social media.

"When I first decided to call it a day on music and shows I really wasn't sure how, or even if, I wanted to share it more publicly. The truth is, I simply couldn't have found the words. I had simply been ignoring my brain and body for far too long, I finally hit a serious breakdown point."

Rusko, whose real name is Christopher William Mercer, continued that "it became clear I was having a breakdown mentally, and so needed to dip out of the game for the foreseeable future. To the fans, I am sorry about the upcoming shows but I want you to know that your support over the years has meant everything to me.

"For now, I have to follow my instincts for healing and recovery. While I can't guarantee any kind of return, I hope in my heart one day this is not goodbye, but more 'See ya later, alligator.'"

A champion of the UK dubstep scene, Rusko previously went on hiatus in 2017 while undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. Later that year, he announced that treatment had been successful and that he was cancer-free.

The comments section of his post included messages from a barrage of fellow producers, including Koven, who wrote, "Well done for listening to your mind and your body." and Modestep, who penned, "They say never meet your heroes - but you changed that for us! Once a legend always a legend."

Over a more than two-decade career, Rusko has toured internationally at major festivals and collaborated with high-profile artists including M.I.A. and Britney Spears. He most recent visit to New Zealand was in 2023.