Marlon Williams is taking an extended break from touring.
The Aotearoa singer-songwriter revealed the surprise news in a press statement today. His final run of shows will take place in Australia next month.
“I’m gonna take some time away for a bit. Probably not ages in the scheme of things, but it’s time to take some time!” Williams wrote.
“I’ve been extraordinarily lucky in that my vocational life has always cleaved very closely to my personal aspirations; I’ve always been able to “live my calling”, as it were. For nearly 20 years I’ve explored both the physical and musical world in the company of incredible musicians, songwriters and friends, and it’s been an absolute pleasure.
“The catch with it is that because it’s such a blessing to do what you love, it can be easy to overlook the toll it can take over time, on body and soul.
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“The concept of rāhui is central to te Ao Māori and is indeed familiar to most New Zealanders. As Te Aka, the online Māori dictionary defines it, ‘to put in place a temporary ritual prohibition, closed season, ban, reserve.’ Rāhui can be placed by mana whenua on a specific location out of respect of a tragic death in the area rendering it tapu, and they are also put in place in the pure interests of conservation; the idea that resources can be overtapped, and periods of restriction and recovery are essential to the continued wellbeing of those resources.
“It was this meaning that helped crystallise my thinking about my own personal case; I want to continue doing what I love for as long as possible, and this is the way to do it.”
Fans hoping to see Williams and his band, the Yarra Benders, before his hiatus can check out his upcoming tour dates below.
Williams took out the top spot in our Best New Zealand Albums of 2025 list with Te Whare Tīwekaweka. The deeply personal record will likely earn the Lyttelton-born musician awards recognition in his home country later this year.
Read our album interview with Williams here.
Marlon Williams and The Yarra Benders 2026 Tour Dates
Tickets available HERE
March 5th
Taronga Zoo – Sydney
with support from Kee’ahn
March 6th
Royal Botanic Gardens – Melbourne
with Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn
March 7th
Golden Plains Festival – Meredith
March 9th
Womadelaide – Adelaide
March 20th
Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre – Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
with Anna Schneider
March 22nd
QPAC Presents On the Banks Series – Brisbane
with Sarah Blasko
