New Hope Band Ween Halts Touring

Ween, the funky alternative band from New Hope, announced Thursday that they are ceasing all touring activities indefinitely to prioritize the mental health of band member Michael “Dean Ween” Melchiondo Jr.

The announcement comes as the band decided to cancel a highly anticipated 30th anniversary show scheduled next month in Philadelphia.

“Despite three great shows this summer, it’s become clear that touring and performing is too taxing on Deaner’s mental health,” the band wrote.

“As always, we thank you for the love, dedication, and ongoing support,” the band added.

The cancellation follows a series of scrapped performances in Portland, Eugene, and Seattle earlier this month. No explicit reasons given at the time.

Earlier this year, Ween called off a spring tour, with Melchiondo expressing his need to focus on his personal well-being.

“For the majority of my life I have been blessed enough to have a career doing the thing that I love the most … At this moment in time though I need to step away from performing live in order to preserve my mental and spiritual well being, and instead focus on myself and loved ones,” Melchiondo wrote earlier this year.

The band formed in 1984 in New Hope and, has released nine studio albums. The group achieved international fame over the decades.