Dubstep Pioneer Rusko Announces Indefinite Hiatus, Citing Mental Health Struggles

Rusko has announced that he is stepping back from performing and releasing music, saying he had reached a breaking point after more than two decades on the road.Ad 0:00 Click for sound 0:00 / 0:00 The dubstep pioneer, whose real name is Chris Mercer, had alarmed fans in mid-June after sharing a series of troubling social media posts, one of which read, “I wish I was dead.” He has now shared a formal statement, opening up about a gradual erosion of his physical and mental well-being that he had long tried to ignore.

Mercer said he ultimately arrived at what he called a “serious breakdown,” prompting the decision to withdraw from the industry indefinitely.“I dedicated all my life and spirit to being an artist, and have been traveling the world for over 20+ years,” he wrote.

I am so unbelievably lucky and grateful for every experience and the most amazing fans who have been alongside me.But it became clear I was having a breakdown mentally..

and so needed to dip out the game for the foreseeable future.” Known for his signature wobbly basslines and playful production choices, Rusko helped popularize dubstep in the mid-2000s alongside artists such as Skream and Benga.The influential DJ’s tracks ‘Woo Boost’ and ‘Cockney Thug’ became touchstones of the scene and led him to produce official remixes for Lady Gaga and Adele, among others, and to collaborations with Cypress Hill, M.I.A.

and more.Mercer’s announcement canceled a string of upcoming shows and he did not offer a timeline for a possible return.

He did, however, close his statement with a note of cautious hope.“For now, I have to follow my instincts and search for healing and recovery,” he wrote.

“While I can’t guarantee any kind of return, I hope in my heart, one day this is not goodbye, but more, ‘See ya later, alligator.'” Scroll to continue more from edm Watch Odd Mob and Wa...