Outside the stage lights: Martin Garrix returns to his family to heal silent wounds.

Behind the electric energy of global festivals, the screaming fans, and the pounding beats of sold-out arenas, Martin Garrix—one of the world’s most iconic DJs—has chosen to step away from the spotlight. In a deeply personal and emotionally charged decision, Garrix has shifted his focus from international fame to something far more intimate: his family. As the Dutch DJ opens up about his emotional fatigue, long-standing pressure, and the need to reconnect with his roots, the world begins to understand the true cost of fame. This article takes a deeper look into Martin Garrix’s personal life, the hidden emotional scars he carried, and the heartwarming reason behind his temporary retreat from the stage. It’s a story not of music, but of healing.

Reclaiming Peace: Why Martin Garrix Walked Away

While Martin Garrix has built an empire on stage with hit tracks like “Animals,” “Scared to Be Lonely,” and “In the Name of Love,” behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding. In a recent interview, Garrix opened up about what prompted his recent decision: the unrelenting nature of the EDM lifestyle. He said candidly, “I haven’t really lived in years. I’ve existed between flights, green rooms, and five-star hotels—but not truly lived. I missed birthdays, funerals, quiet conversations over coffee… I missed home.” Burnout in the music industry is not a new phenomenon, but Garrix’s transparency about his own struggle sheds new light on the emotional toll of a lifestyle fueled by adrenaline, success, and constant movement. The fast-paced life had distanced him not only from everyday experiences but also from the people he loves most—his family.

Martin Garrix’s family values take center stage

Born Martijn Garritsen in Amstelveen, Netherlands, Garrix’s early years were marked by a close-knit family that supported his dreams. His parents were the first to notice his passion for music and encouraged him to pursue it. But as his career soared, his time with them dwindled. Now, years into superstardom, Garrix is making a conscious effort to rebuild those precious family ties. “I used to call home and ask about how everyone was doing,” he shared. “Now, I want to be there. I want to actually be part of their lives again.” Family, for Garrix, represents more than just blood ties—it’s a sanctuary. A safe space where he can heal emotionally from the mental strain of touring, the harsh judgment of the public eye, and the internal pressure to constantly deliver more. The decision to step back has given Garrix the space to rediscover everyday joys—walks with his dad, helping his mother cook dinner, playing music with his cousins—simple moments he now considers invaluable.

The emotional scars behind the music

In a vulnerable moment during a livestream, Garrix admitted he had been “smiling on stage, but crumbling backstage.” He confessed to having battled anxiety, sleeplessness, and a deep sense of loneliness, especially during long global tours where he often felt like a “performing machine.” His revelation shocked fans but also created an outpouring of support from fellow artists and the EDM community. Behind the success, awards, and chart-toppers, Martin Garrix was quietly carrying a burden that no platinum plaque could ease. “I needed to leave not because I was failing, but because I was surviving,” he said. “That’s not how I want to live anymore.” This emotional transparency is part of a growing trend where public figures are embracing mental health advocacy and acknowledging that fame doesn’t always equal fulfillment.

Will Martin Garrix retire or make a comeback?

Fans across the world are left wondering: Is this the end of Martin Garrix’s career? According to the DJ himself, not quite. He has clarified that this is not a permanent retirement, but a pause for introspection and healing. “Music is my passion, and I’ll always come back to it,” he stated. “But when I return, I want it to be as a whole person—not a broken one.” He hinted at returning with more heartfelt, emotional projects in the future—tracks that reflect his internal transformation and the newfound clarity he has discovered through reconnecting with his loved ones. Garrix also shared that during this break, he’s been creating music at home with his family members, some of whom are also musically inclined. “It feels good to make music that isn’t for a tour or a deadline. It’s just for the love of it.”

Healing through presence: the power of being with loved ones

Garrix’s story is a reminder of the healing power of presence. For years, he operated in a world of noise, movement, and artificial lights. Now, he finds peace in stillness—sitting with his parents on the patio, helping with gardening, or watching old home videos with his sister. He credits his mother as being a grounding force in his life. “She always told me, ‘Fame is temporary, but love is permanent.’ I think I forgot that for a while,” Garrix admitted. “Now I understand it better than ever.” The simple act of waking up at home, without an alarm set for the next tour or meeting, has allowed him to reflect on how far he has come—not just as an artist, but as a human being.

Martin Garrix joins the growing list of artists prioritizing mental health

Garrix is not alone in this movement. Artists like Avicii, Zayn Malik, and Justin Bieber have also taken breaks from the spotlight, citing emotional exhaustion and the desire for genuine connection. It signals a cultural shift in the entertainment industry, where vulnerability is no longer a weakness but a strength. In choosing to prioritize his inner world, Garrix is redefining what it means to be a superstar. He is proving that it’s okay to step back, to pause, and to put yourself first—even in an industry that glorifies constant hustle.

The future: A new Martin Garrix may emerge

While his global fanbase misses him dearly, many are eagerly awaiting what a recharged, reflective Martin Garrix will bring to the stage next. He has hinted at possibly launching a music project inspired by his family life, integrating home recordings and raw acoustic sessions—a radical departure from his usual festival bangers. There’s also talk of a documentary series chronicling his return to normal life, which would show behind-the-scenes moments of him rediscovering his roots, his personal growth, and what it truly means to come home. Whether or not that happens, one thing is clear: Garrix is not just healing for himself—he’s inspiring others in the process.