Martin Garrix reveals plans to travel around the world: ‘I Need to Get Away from the Spotlight’

In a candid and emotional revelation that caught fans and the EDM community by surprise, Martin Garrix—the global superstar DJ and producer—has announced his plans to temporarily step away from the music spotlight to travel around the world. Known for his relentless touring schedule, chart-topping hits, and high-profile festival appearances, Garrix admitted he feels the need to disconnect from the pressure, fame, and digital noise that have defined much of his career over the past decade.

“I just need to breathe again,” Garrix told fans in a recent interview. “There’s so much beauty in the world that I haven’t really seen because I’m always moving from one show to the next. I want to feel like a human again, not just a brand.”

A Career Built on Constant Motion

Martin Garrix nonstop touring takes a toll

From the age of 17, when he rocketed to international fame with the explosive hit “Animals,” Martin Garrix has barely taken a break. Performing at mega festivals like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Coachella, and collaborating with superstars including Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, and Bono and The Edge of U2, Garrix has built a musical empire based on energy, innovation, and hard work.

Yet that very momentum has become both his superpower and his burden.

“I’ve been living in airports, hotels, and green rooms. Every moment is scheduled. Even my off-days aren’t really off—they’re promo or press,” he admitted. “You don’t realize you’re burning out until you’re already halfway gone.”

While fans and colleagues have praised his professionalism, the pressures of staying relevant, constantly producing music, and living under a microscope have weighed heavily. His decision to step away from the EDM spotlight is not a retirement but a form of healing—and a reset.

Why He’s Leaving: Fame, Expectations, and Inner Peace

Garrix steps back from fame to rediscover himself

Fame brings fortune and influence, but for artists like Garrix, it also breeds exhaustion and isolation. The EDM scene is notoriously fast-paced and visually demanding, where every Instagram post, live stream, and collaboration becomes a performance in itself. Garrix has always been open about his love for fans, but also honest about the mental toll it can take.

“I love the music. I’ll never stop loving the music. But right now, I don’t even know who I am when I’m not ‘Martin Garrix,’” he said.

He described moments of anxiety, creative block, and an overwhelming need to be “on” all the time. While he hasn’t experienced any public breakdowns, his inner circle revealed that he’s been quietly grappling with burnout since the tail-end of 2024, especially after an intense touring year that included back-to-back festivals across Europe, Asia, and South America.

His decision to embark on a global journey, without tour dates or production deadlines, is his way of taking back control—of time, identity, and peace.

What the Trip Will Look Like: No Sets, No Schedules

Martin Garrix world tour of a different kind

This isn’t your typical DJ “world tour.” There will be no decks, no flashy stage setups, and no entourage. Garrix plans to travel anonymously where possible, immersing himself in nature, local culture, and simple living.

“It’s not about where I go—it’s about what I don’t bring with me,” he said. “No managers, no media, no pre-planned social content. I want to experience moments without thinking about how they’ll look online.”

Destinations on his list include New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, Peru, and several remote islands in the Pacific. Sources close to the DJ say he plans to document parts of the trip for himself, but not for public release—at least not anytime soon.

“He wants to just be Martijn again,” a friend commented, using Garrix’s real first name. “Not the brand, not the superstar. Just a guy discovering the world with fresh eyes.”

Fans React: Mixed Emotions and Full Support

Unsurprisingly, news of Garrix’s decision has triggered a wave of reactions across social media. Many fans were shocked, worried that this might signal the end of his career. But once the context was understood—mental wellness, personal growth, and temporary distance—most responses turned overwhelmingly supportive.

“You gave us everything for years. You deserve peace,” one fan posted on X.

“We’ll be here when you’re ready. Just take care of yourself,” another wrote on Instagram.

Artists and producers within the EDM community have also chimed in, with Armin van Buuren, Zedd, and Kygo praising Garrix for his honesty and courage. “This industry needs more breaks and less burnout,” said Zedd. “Massive respect for Martin doing this his way.”

Will He Return? A Pause, Not a Goodbye

Martin Garrix was clear that this isn’t retirement. He’s not abandoning music, nor turning his back on his fans. He’s pressing pause—not to disappear, but to reconnect with life beyond the booth.

“I know I’ll be back. Music is part of my soul. But I want to come back inspired, not drained,” he said. “For now, I just need to live life without stages and spotlights.”

Industry analysts speculate that he might return in late 2026 or early 2027, possibly with a new musical style or even a surprise documentary chronicling his journey. Whatever comes next, it’s clear that Garrix’s future is as wide open as the horizon he’s about to chase.

Legacy and Influence: The Human Behind the Beats

Martin Garrix personal journey adds depth to his legacy

Garrix’s decision could mark a turning point not just for his career, but for the entire EDM scene. His openness about mental fatigue, self-rediscovery, and the pressure of performance might encourage other artists to prioritize wellness over relentless output.

And it adds a powerful new chapter to his legacy—one that transcends music charts. It’s no longer just about the drops and the anthems. It’s about the human behind the decks, a reminder that even the most electrifying performers need silence sometimes.

Whether you see him next on a cliff in Iceland or back behind a mixer in Ibiza, one thing’s for sure: Martin Garrix’s journey is far from over. It’s just entering a new, more personal beat.