It’s been a little over three years since the Australian band The Jezabels played their last show. Fans were left wondering why the band suddenly called it quits after a successful career that spanned more than a decade. The Jezabels had amassed a loyal following with their sweeping indie pop tracks and fierce live performances that often brought audiences to their feet. Unfortunately, the band’s journey came to an abrupt end, leaving many questions unanswered.
For fans of The Jezabels, the breakup came as a massive blow. As one of Australia’s most highly regarded indie acts, they had cemented their place in the hearts and minds of music lovers. Their ability to craft emotive, grandiose pop music was second to none, and their live shows were nothing short of mesmerizing. But despite the success, something happened that led the band to call it quits. It’s a question that has percolated in the minds of fans for years and one that we’re going to explore in this article.
Now, we all know that breakups are never fun, no matter the circumstances. Whether you’re parting ways with a significant other or a bandmate, it’s always a tough pill to swallow. The Jezabels, unfortunately, were no exception. Their sudden departure from the music scene left fans wondering what went wrong. In this piece, we’re going to dig deep to try to uncover the reasons behind the band’s breakup. Was it creative differences, financial issues, or something else entirely? Join us as we unravel the mystery behind The Jezabels’ demise.
The Jezabels Band History
The Jezabels were an Australian indie rock band that formed in 2007 in Sydney. The band consisted of vocalist Hayley Mary, guitarist Samuel Lockwood, drummer Nik Kaloper, and keyboardist Heather Shannon. They were known for their ethereal and epic sound that incorporated elements of shoegaze, post-punk, and new wave.
- The band members met while studying at the University of Sydney and started playing together in 2007. They played their first gig at the Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills, Sydney in 2008.
- The Jezabels gained a following in Australia with the release of their debut EP “The Man Is Dead” in 2009. The EP featured their breakthrough single “Disco Biscuit Love” and earned them a nomination for the Unearthed J Award.
- In 2011, The Jezabels released their debut album “Prisoner” which received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards including the Australian Music Prize. The album featured the hit singles “Endless Summer” and “Rosebud.”
Despite their success, The Jezabels announced their indefinite hiatus in 2019. The band cited personal reasons for the break-up and emphasized that there was no animosity between the members. In an open letter to their fans, they wrote: “We are four friends who love each other very much and are grateful for everything we have been able to share and create together. We look forward to taking some time to pursue other passions and projects.”
The Jezabels’ legacy lives on through their music which has inspired many fans and fellow musicians. Their unique blend of haunting vocals, atmospheric guitars, and driving beats continues to captivate listeners around the world.
The Jezabels Discography
The Jezabels were a popular indie rock band hailing from Sydney, Australia. They were known for their unique sound that blended indie rock, post-punk, and alternative music. The band consisted of four members – Hayley Mary as the lead vocalist, Heather Shannon on keyboard and piano, Nik Kaloper on drums, and Samuel Lockwood as the guitarist. Despite having a huge fan following, the band announced their split in 2019, after a decade of producing great music.
Their discography includes:
- The Man Is Dead (2009) – This was their debut EP which featured songs such as “Disco Biscuit Love” and “Easy to Love.”
- She’s So Hard (2010) – Their second EP, which included popular tracks “Mace Spray” and “A Little Piece.”
- Prisoner (2011) – This was their debut studio album, which received critical acclaim and was certified gold by ARIA. It featured hits such as “Endless Summer” and “Try Colour.”
- The Brink (2014) – Their second studio album, which was well-received by critics and fans alike. It featured songs such as “Time to Dance” and “Look of Love.”
- Synthia (2016) – This was their third and final studio album, which displayed a more experimental sound. Tracks such as “Smile” and “Pleasure Drive” showcased a new direction for the band’s music.
Why did The Jezabels break up?
After experiencing great success in the music industry and touring extensively, the band announced their split in 2019 due to health reasons. In a letter to their fans, they acknowledged that Heather Shannon had been battling ovarian cancer, which had impacted their ability to continue as a band. The members expressed their gratitude for their fans’ support and for the experience of being in a band for over a decade. Despite the disappointment of their breakup, the band remains an important part of the indie rock music scene and their discography is an impressive testament to their talent.
If you haven’t checked out The Jezabels’ music yet, we highly recommend giving their discography a listen. Their unique sound and powerful lyrics are sure to leave a lasting impression.
| Album | Release Date |
|---|---|
| The Man Is Dead | 2009 |
| She’s So Hard | 2010 |
| Prisoner | 2011 |
| The Brink | 2014 |
| Synthia | 2016 |
Sources:
https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-jezabels-confirm-split-due-to-heather-shannons-cancer-battle-2510845#i66gH7MCU3SiTtuV.99
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8513181/the-jezabels-break-up-heather-shannon-ovarian-cancer
The Jezabels Upcoming Tours
Despite their breakup announcement, The Jezabels have a number of upcoming tours that will still be taking place. These tours had been previously scheduled, and fans will still have an opportunity to see them perform live. Here are some of their upcoming tour dates:
- June 23: The Gov, Adelaide, Australia
- June 24: The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, Australia
- June 30: The Triffid, Brisbane, Australia
- July 1: The Metro Theatre, Sydney, Australia
These upcoming shows are part of their “Worldwide Prison Tour” and their American and European tours had already been cancelled due to lead singer Hayley Mary’s health issues. However, they have made it clear that they still plan on playing any scheduled shows and festivals.
It will be bittersweet for fans to see The Jezabels perform knowing that they have decided to end their musical career together, but these shows will still provide an opportunity to see their amazing talent and enjoy their incredible live performances.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Jezabels and their Breakup
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the music industry in various ways, and the Jezabels were not immune to its effects. The pandemic forced the music industry to a standstill, with concerts, festivals, and tours being canceled or postponed indefinitely. The Jezabels, whose music thrives in live performances, were hit hard by these effects, which ultimately led to their breakup. Below are some of the reasons why the pandemic impacted the Jezabels and their eventual split:
- Cancelled Tours: The Jezabels were scheduled to perform at several concerts, festivals, and tours before the pandemic hit. However, with the lockdowns and travel restrictions, all of their scheduled events were canceled or postponed indefinitely, leading to a significant loss of income.
- Loss of Income: Live performances are the primary source of income for many musicians, and the Jezabels were not exempt from this fact. With no gigs and tours, the band had no income, putting a financial strain on their finances. Despite trying alternatives such as live-streaming concerts, it was never enough to match the earnings they would have made by performing live.
- Mental Health: The pandemic has taken a significant toll on the mental health of many people worldwide, and musicians are no exception. With the lack of gigs and tours, the band was unable to do what they loved, leading to stress and depression, which ultimately affected their creativity and their bond as a group.
The table below shows how the pandemic affected the Jezabels, including the gigs that were canceled and the revenue lost:
| Event | Date | City/Country | Revenue Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coachella | April 2020 | Indio, California, US | $500,000 |
| Lollapalooza | July 2020 | Chicago, US | $400,000 |
| European Tour | September 2020 | Various | $200,000 |
The pandemic brought unforeseen circumstances that impacted the Jezabels and their eventual breakup. Despite the challenges, the band has left behind a legacy of great music that will continue to inspire many for years to come.
The Jezabels Fan Reactions to their Breakup
The breakup of the Jezabels left many fans of the Australian indie rock band disappointed and heartbroken. The band announced their split in October 2020, citing health and personal reasons as the main factors behind their decision to call it quits. Here are some of the fan reactions to the news:
- Shock and sadness – Many fans expressed their shock and sadness on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Some fans were even moved to tears by the news.
- Disbelief – Some fans could not believe that the band was breaking up, especially after releasing a new album, “The Brink,” just two years earlier.
- Thankfulness – Other fans expressed gratitude for the music and memories that the Jezabels had given them over the years. They thanked the band members for their dedication and talent.
Despite the overwhelming sense of loss, fans also expressed understanding and respect for the band’s decision to prioritize their health and well-being. Many fans noted that the Jezabels had been touring and releasing music for over a decade, and that it was important for them to take time for themselves.
The Jezabels’ breakup also sparked discussions about mental health and the pressures of the music industry. Fans praised the band for their honesty and vulnerability in speaking out about the challenges they faced. Some fans expressed hope that the band members would take the time they needed to heal and potentially return to music in the future.
| Positive Fan Reactions | Negative Fan Reactions |
|---|---|
| “Thank you for everything you’ve given us. Your music will always have a special place in my heart.” “I understand your decision and wish you all the best.” “I hope you find the peace and rest you need, and know that you are still loved and appreciated.” |
“I can’t believe this is happening.” “I’m devastated by this news.” “This is the worst day of my life.” |
Overall, the fan reactions to the Jezabels’ breakup were a testament to the band’s impact and influence on their fans. While the news of their split was difficult to process, it also showed how deeply the band had touched the hearts of their listeners.
The Jezabels Legacy in Australian Indie Music
The Jezabels were an Australian indie rock band formed in 2007 in Sydney. The band was known for their atmospheric soundscapes and lead singer Hayley Mary’s powerful vocals. Despite their success, the band announced their split in 2019, leaving fans wondering why. In this article, we explore the reasons surrounding The Jezabels breakup.
Their Impact on the Australian Music Scene
- The Jezabels were a beloved band in Australia, known for their mesmerizing live performances and their unique sound.
- Their debut album, ‘Prisoner’, was released in 2011 and received critical acclaim, winning multiple awards in Australia.
- The album went on to achieve gold certification in Australia, and the band gained a dedicated following both in Australia and internationally.
Reasons Behind Their Breakup
Rumors surrounding the band’s breakup had been circulating for some time before they made the official announcement. The band cited personal differences and the desire to pursue individual projects as the main reasons behind their split.
Lead singer Hayley Mary echoed these sentiments in an interview with The Guardian, stating, “We just decided that we’d achieved everything that we wanted to achieve as a band and we wanted to try new things”.
She also discussed the challenges of maintaining a band over a long period of time, stating, “Being in bands is really hard, and being in a band for a long time is even harder. It’s like being in a marriage that’s really intense”.
Their Enduring Legacy
Despite the band’s relatively short career, their impact on the Australian indie music scene has been significant. The Jezabels left behind a lasting legacy, inspiring countless young musicians and paving the way for other indie bands in Australia.
| Album | Release Date | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Prisoner | 2011 | Gold |
| The Brink | 2014 | N/A |
| Synthia | 2016 | N/A |
The Jezabels may no longer be making new music, but their impact on Australian indie music will continue to be felt for years to come.
The Reasons Behind the Jezabels Breakup
For fans of The Jezabels, the news of their breakup came as a shock. The Australian indie rock band had been together for over a decade and had amassed a loyal following. However, the members of the band had reached a point where they felt it was time to move on. Here are the reasons behind The Jezabels breakup:
- Health Issues: In 2015, The Jezabels had to cancel their tour due to the lead singer’s health issues. Hayley Mary had been diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer, which caused her to undergo surgery and chemotherapy. While she recovered and the band continued to make music, it is possible that her health scare contributed to the band’s decision to disband.
- Creative Differences: When a group of individuals creates music together, they all bring their own unique style and ideas. Over time, these ideas may diverge, leading to creative differences. In The Jezabels case, the band members felt that they had reached a point where they were no longer on the same page creatively.
- Burnout: The Jezabels had been together for over a decade and had worked tirelessly to produce music, tour, and build a fanbase. The constant demands of the music industry can lead to burnout, and the members of the band may have felt like they needed a break from the lifestyle.
While the exact reasons behind The Jezabels breakup may never be fully disclosed, these factors likely played a role in their decision to disband. Fans can take solace in the fact that the band members are still pursuing their own creative endeavors and that their legacy will live on through their music.
FAQs About Why Did The Jezabels Break Up
1. Was there any tension between the members of the band?
Yes, there was tension between the members of the band. However, the band has never given any specific reasons for their split.
2. Did they have any issues with their record label?
No, there were no issues with their record label. In fact, they have always been grateful for the support provided by them.
3. Were they facing any creative differences?
Yes, creative differences between the band members were one of the major reasons behind their split.
4. Did they have any personal problems?
There have been reports that members of the band were facing personal problems, but the severity of these problems is unclear.
5. Did they have any financial issues?
No, there were no reported financial issues that led to the break-up.
6. Was there any specific incident that triggered their decision to break up?
No, there was no specific incident that triggered their decision to break up. The band has always maintained that it was a mutual decision.
7. Is there a chance of the band reuniting in the future?
There is always a chance that the band may reunite in the future. However, as of now, there has been no official announcement regarding this matter.
Why Did The Jezabels Break Up
In conclusion, the Jezabels broke up due to creative differences between the band members. Although there have been reports of personal problems, financial issues, and tension within the band, the exact reason behind the split remains unknown. While fans may be disappointed by the news, there is always a chance that the band may reunite in the future. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more updates.