Industrial Music Pioneer Al Jourgensen Discloses Disbandment of His Legendary Band; One Final Album and Tour Universal Before Split
Farewell to Ministry: Al Jourgensen Readies Final Tour and Album
After 41 years of dishing out chaos and dissonance, Ministry's frontman Al Jourgensen is calling it quits. With one final album on the horizon and a global farewell tour in the works, Uncle Al prepares to wrap up the industrial metal legends' legendary career. Let's delve into the details.
The Countdown to the End: A Decade-Long Decision
The decision to bring Ministry to an end wasn't abrupt but a culmination of 17 groundbreaking albums. Jourgensen feels they've pushed the boundaries as far as they could go and doesn't want to become a band playing the same riffs for decades. Priority goes to well-being, as his health issues in the early 2000s made him rethink his commitment to touring. The final album is set to drop next year, after which the band embarks on a world tour, performing for the last time across every continent except Antarctica.
A Farewell to the Music Industry: Jourgensen's Swansong
While Jourgensen steps away from Ministry, music isn't entirely off the table. He plans to continue working on film scores, most recently collaborating on a documentary called "Long Knife" about the Koch brothers and the Osage Nation. But touring and constant interaction are things of the past.
A Healthy and Clear-Minded Departure
Jourgensen feels grateful to be in good health and a clear frame of mind as he wraps up Ministry. Like any artist, he's evolved over time, and the fans who know him as Uncle Al appreciate his growth.
A Different Energy: Revisiting the Early Days
On the current Squirrely Years Tour, Jourgensen performs songs from Ministry's early days, diving into the synth-pop roots that were once dismissed. Moshing is still happening, although not as violently as before, making this tour feel more like a psychedelic, electronic hippie dance party.
The Full Circle: Embracing the Full Arc of the Career
The final tour will be a comprehensive retrospective, covering every era of Ministry's discography for a two- to three-hour setlist. There will be surprises in store, such as collaborations with old friends or even a return to two drummers. Get ready for a mind-bending journey through Ministry's story.
Overcoming Addiction and Speaking Out
Ministry has always addressed injustice. Jourgensen admits that the band's focus on social issues might shift a bit for the final album, as he's planning to hone his message and sharpen his aim. He's been transparent about his battles with addiction and how it's shaped him as an individual, but music played a dual role – both a savior and a catalyst for darker times.
Overlooked Midwest Scene and Past Collaborations
Wax Trax! Records, an essential part of the Midwest scene, is sometimes underappreciated in Ministry's legacy. Fans of all ages and backgrounds find common ground during these shows, from 14-year-olds dancing in the front row to 60-year-olds reminiscing about the good old days. It's a testament to Ministry's lasting impact and the importance of their early collaborations.
Ministry's Final Act: A New Album and a Global Farewell Tour
Their final album is due by Christmas this year, with an anticipated release in 2026. After wrapping up the recording process, Ministry embarks on a world tour starting in September 2023, hitting every continent save Antarctica for one last ride. Imagine a crowd jamming together to Ministry's iconic beats – that's how they want to remember their legacy.
Join Ministry for one last dance on June 4th, when the Squirrely Years Tour comes to the Hollywood Palladium, with support from Nitzer Ebb, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, and Die Krupps. Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic farewell.
For more on the world of music, check out our coverage on Eric Church's New Orleans-inspired new album and Liam Payne's troubled life after One Direction, and find out what Tim Heidecker has in store with his blend of comedy, singer-songwriter style, and more.
- Al Jourgensen, feeling grateful for his good health and clear frame of mind, plans to continue working on film scores, such as the recent collaboration for the documentary "Long Knife" about the Koch brothers and the Osage Nation.
- As the countdown to the end approaches, Jourgensen looks back on Ministry's discography and plans a comprehensive two- to three-hour setlist on the final tour, covering every era with surprises like collaborations with old friends or a return to two drummers.
- During the current Squirrely Years Tour, songs from Ministry's early days are performed, creating a psychedelic, electronic hippie dance party atmosphere, although moshing is still happening.
- Despite stepping away from Ministry, the band's focus on addressing social injustice might shift a bit for the final album, as Jourgensen plans to hone his message and sharpen his aim.
- On the final album, Jourgensen reflects on his battles with addiction, acknowledging that music has played a dual role – both a savior and a catalyst for difficult times – throughout his career in the music, entertainment, and business industries, especially in California's Los Angeles scene and the Hollywood-adjacent world of music and entertainment.
