Shame announces hiatus after Cutthroat shows: “Not a goodbye”
The vibrant sound of Shame is taking a well-deserved pause. After an incredible year of touring and creative exploration, the South London band has announced they are taking a hiatus, stepping away to recharge and reflect.
This decision comes as the group wraps up the remaining shows supporting their acclaimed album, ‘Cutthroat’. Following a year spent traveling the world and connecting with new audiences, the band feels it is the right time to hit the brakes and focus on themselves as individuals and as a unit.
In a statement shared recently, the band expressed gratitude for the experience, acknowledging the privilege of touring and the connections they made. They stressed that this was not an easy choice, but a necessary one for personal growth.
“After an incredible year touring ‘Cutthroat’, meeting so many new people and being afforded the privilege of travelling the world performing our music, we are reaching the last few shows of this record’s touring schedule,” the band shared. “After that, we’re going to take a little break.”
They made it clear that this break was about prioritizing their well-being, with the hopeful promise that they plan to return even stronger. “This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, however we think it’s best for us as individuals and as a band to take some time off… and believe us when we say, we will be back badder and better than ever to deliver you all the fifth Shame record of your dreams.”
The artistic journey of ‘Cutthroat’ itself was a fascinating blend, incorporating electronic music, jangle-pop, and touches of spaghetti-western influence into the band’s established post-punk sound. The record was praised for its complexity, with reviewers noting how the music showcased the band’s depth and multi-faceted nature.
Frontman Charlie Steen had framed the album as outward-looking social commentary, noting that it looked for “seedy characters, for cowards and hypocrites” in the world, rather than focusing inward. This theme resonated with the band’s exploration of the human condition.
As the band prepares for their break, they are still scheduled to perform three final UK dates, bringing the energy to cities like Huddersfield, Sheffield, and Manchester. These upcoming shows offer a final chance to connect with fans before the hiatus begins.
The remaining dates are scheduled for SEPTEMBER:
2 – Huddersfield, The Parish
3 – Sheffield, Crookes Social Club
4 – Manchester, Projekts Skatepark
While Shame is pausing their touring schedule, the message remains clear: this is not a final farewell, but a temporary pause before they return, ready to deliver new and exciting music.