Twenty years is a long time for any DJ’s career — some have stood the test of time and continue to sell out arenas and venues. Others have taken a more sedentary approach and slowed their touring to focus more on production and/or time with family. For Menno de Jong, who’s been touring as an artist for the past 20 years, it’s time to hang up the headphones.
Menno made the announcement earlier this week that he will be playing the final set of his DJ career next year, September 12th. “The past 20 years have brought countless memorable moments,” he wrote, “allowed me to see many of the world’s most beautiful places, and brought amazing people in to my life.”
He continued, “But throughout that era I have grown older and changed significantly as a person, developing a pressing sense of urgency to make decisions about how I spend the remaining time in my life.” Much of the reason he’s chosen to retire now is environmental, as he states, “I’m finding it increasingly hard to consolidate my environmental and animal rights beliefs with a profession that involves constantly jetting from one part of the world to another.”
It surely couldn’t have been an easy decision to make, and at only 35 years old, Menno still has plenty of time left to devote to whatever he sets his sights to next. He’ll be doing a farewell tour in 2020, in which all travel, whenever possible, will “be by train or sailboat and, especially if travel by airplane is the only viable option, CO2 compensated. For every ticket sold to ‘Menno Solo – The Finale’ a donation of 1 euro will be made to Trees For All, a reforestation initiative that plants trees in different parts of the world.”
You can read his full statement below as well as find tour dates. Tickets go on sale Jan 20th, 12:00 CET on his website.
My dear fan or friend,
With humble gratitude and respect I’m hereby announcing that on September 12th 2020 I will be performing the last set of my DJ career at Menno Solo – The Finale. The past 20 years have brought countless memorable moments, allowed me to see many of the world’s most beautiful places, and brought amazing people in to my life..
But throughout that era I have grown older and changed significantly as a person, developing a pressing sense of urgency to make decisions about how I spend the remaining time in my life. Whereas the thought of touring as a DJ was initially infinitely enticing, over time it has become clear to me that it is also an enormously taxing lifestyle that leaves limited room for personal growth, health and time with family and friends. Moreover, I’m finding it increasingly hard to consolidate my environmental and animal rights beliefs with a profession that involves constantly jetting from one part of the world to another. These topics are something that have always been very close to my heart.
Up until my last show I will be doing my very best to visit all the places I have performed at in the past one last time, so that we can have a proper goodbye, celebrate with the amazing music of the past two decades, and so that I can personally thank you for all your support – I couldn’t have done it without you and it’s been such a great ride.
Hoping for your understanding, with much love,
Menno
– Farewell Tour 2020 –
Jan: 20 Year Anniversary Tour, The Netherlands⠀
Feb: UK⠀
Mar: Australia & Asia⠀
Apr: Menno Solo, Poland⠀
May, June: North America⠀
July, August: Europe, Ibiza
Sep 12: Menno Solo – The Finale, Beachclub Fuel
Photo via Menno de Jong