Editors’ Justin Lockey to sit out of band’s summer tour due to “struggles with anxiety”

Editors guitarist Justin Lockey will not be joining the band on their summer tour as he continues to work on his mental health.

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The band, who released their latest single ‘Heart Attack’ last month, will play a host of headline and festival shows in the UK and Europe this summer, including a slot at Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival in August.

Editors confirmed in a social media post this afternoon (May 24) that Lockey, who previously played guitar in Mastersystem and Yourcodenameis:milo, won’t be a part of their tour plans this summer. Instead, their “unofficial seventh member” Nick Willes will step in on guitar duties.

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“Justin hopes to be back with us on our autumn dates, and we can’t wait to have him back,” Editors added, before sharing a note from Lockey.

“Hey all, apologies in advance as I won’t make the festival shows this summer with the band,” Lockey wrote. “I’ve spoken about it before in interviews / podcasts and anyone who’s ever spoke to me after a show etc knows that touring takes a lot out of me in terms of mental health / struggles with anxiety…

“After a couple years out, it’s been a bit of a struggle getting back into a place that makes it healthy / right for me to be back out there touring. I’m working on it, a lot, and with success (thankfully) so I hope to be back onboard the touring party before too long.”

Lockey added: “Usually, in times gone past and especially in this industry, this sort of thing would just happen and everyone would get on with it, without discussion. But I think (and am very glad) that these conversations are now starting to take place in the open and without the stigma it once caused. I’m very lucky as I’m in a band full of people that understand what I go through and support me without question. Very lucky.

“But, I know there’s so many more of us who are in this industry that struggle, who don’t have anyone who would understand or have an opportunity to talk with someone who shares their experience. And that’s heartbreaking.

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“So, to those who don’t, you know where I am. Reach out if you need to. The more we talk, the easier it will get.”

Lockey also welcomed Willes’ temporary addition to the Editors line-up, calling him “a great friend and insanely good guitarist”.

You can find any remaining tickets for Editors’ upcoming UK tour dates here.

For help and advice on mental health:

  • CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably
  • Help Musicians UK – Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians (CALL MUSIC MINDS MATTER ON: 0808 802 8008)
  • Music Support Org – Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues (CALL: 0800 030 6789)
  • YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing
  • Time To Change – Let’s end mental health discrimination
  • The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day

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