How Exhausting Is Touring? Martin Garrix Talks About Life After the Spotlight

At just 28 years old, Martin Garrix has already conquered what many artists only dream of. From headlining Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival to collaborating with global icons like Dua Lipa and Usher, Garrix has lived much of his life under stage lights, in private jets, and in the relentless grip of the global touring circuit. But in a revealing new interview, the Dutch DJ and producer offers a more sobering perspective—one that reveals the intense physical and emotional cost of life on the road.

“People see the fireworks, the crowd, the confetti,” Garrix begins, “but what they don’t see is the 4 a.m. flights, the jet lag, the loneliness in hotel rooms. Touring looks glamorous, but it can really take a toll on you.”

The Grind Behind the Glamour

Garrix’s touring schedule has long been one of the most demanding in the industry. At the height of his career, he was performing over 150 shows a year, jumping from continent to continent within days. While fans saw the sold-out arenas and explosive sets, the reality was far more draining.

“There were moments where I played three shows in three countries in 24 hours,” he recalled. “You sleep on planes, you eat airport food, and sometimes you forget what city you’re even in.”

The adrenaline of performing in front of tens of thousands is undeniable. But once the music stops, the comedown hits hard. Garrix admits he often felt emotionally and physically depleted once the crowds dispersed.

“You go from the highest high—thousands of people screaming your name—to complete silence in a hotel room. That contrast messes with your head.”

Health Issues and Burnout

For years, Garrix kept pushing, believing that momentum was everything in a career as competitive as electronic dance music. But the cracks began to show. A serious ankle injury in 2019 forced him to cancel several shows, and for the first time, he began to reflect on his lifestyle.

“That injury was a blessing in disguise,” he said. “It forced me to stop. To actually listen to my body and realize how far I’d pushed it.”

The break helped Garrix realize that he had been on the edge of burnout for quite some time. The physical exhaustion was obvious, but the emotional strain ran deeper. He began to feel disconnected—from friends, from family, and even from his own passion for music.

Life After the Spotlight: Reclaiming Balance

Following his injury and the pandemic-induced touring halt, Martin Garrix made a conscious decision to slow down. He began saying “no” more often, prioritizing health, rest, and creativity over non-stop touring.

“I used to think if I wasn’t performing, I was falling behind. But now I know that breaks are essential. They allow you to breathe, to grow, to come back stronger.”

He started spending more time in his Amsterdam studio, reconnecting with the joy of making music for its own sake—without the pressure of deadlines or commercial expectations. Songs like “Pressure” and “Starlight (Keep Me Afloat)” reflect a more introspective Garrix—one who isn’t afraid to show vulnerability.

The Importance of Mental Health

Garrix is also now an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, especially in the high-pressure world of EDM. Following the tragic passing of his friend and fellow producer Avicii, Garrix has become even more committed to maintaining emotional well-being and encouraging others to do the same.

“I wish the industry talked more about mental health,” he said. “Because there are so many artists suffering in silence. We’re human, not machines.”

He now travels with a smaller team that includes people he considers close friends—not just colleagues. This support network is crucial when dealing with the stress of performing and traveling.

“Having people around who actually care about me—not just the business—has made all the difference,” he shared.

Redefining Success

Today, Martin Garrix views success differently. It’s no longer about how many shows he plays or how many chart-topping singles he releases. It’s about being able to create on his own terms, maintain a sense of balance, and protect his peace.

“Success is waking up and being excited about what I’m doing. It’s having time for my friends, my family, and for myself.”

He’s also taken a keen interest in mentoring younger artists—those who are just starting to experience the rollercoaster of fame. Through his label STMPD RCRDS, Garrix offers guidance not just on producing music, but on managing pressure and staying grounded.

What Touring Looks Like Now

While he hasn’t given up touring altogether, Garrix has radically restructured how he does it. Fewer shows, longer breaks between performances, and more time spent in the studio and at home are all part of the new plan.

“I still love playing live. That will never change. But I’ve learned that I don’t need to be everywhere, all the time, to stay relevant.”

He’s also begun to curate his performances more selectively, choosing quality over quantity. Rather than non-stop festivals, Garrix now looks for opportunities that align with his values and allow him time to prepare both mentally and physically.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future

As Martin Garrix moves forward, he brings with him a renewed sense of purpose. He’s focusing not just on new music but on living a sustainable lifestyle—one that doesn’t trade long-term well-being for short-term gains.

“I want to still be doing this in 10 or 20 years. But I know that to make that happen, I need to take care of myself now.”

His story is not just one of musical success but of resilience, evolution, and maturity. In many ways, Garrix is still the passionate teenager who burst onto the scene with “Animals”. But now, he’s also a man who understands that behind every beat, there must be balance.