Keith Urban recently reflected on the emotional challenges of touring. Describing the experience as “lonely and miserable,” he opened up about several difficulties. The country star’s remarks come just weeks after news broke of his divorce from actress Nicole Kidman.
Keith Urban talked about ‘miserable life’ on tour before split
Keith Urban has opened up about the emotional toll of touring, describing it as a “lonely” experience in the period before his separation from Nicole Kidman.
In an upcoming episode of his music competition series The Road, set to premiere on October 19, the musician discussed the challenges of constantly performing while managing exhaustion and isolation. He said, “Where do we start? It’s a calling, and you’re going to do it or you’re not going to make it.” (via The Daily Mail)
Urban added that touring often takes a significant emotional toll. Even on days when he was unwell and missing his loved ones, he still pushed himself to perform another show. He explained, “When you wake up on a tour bus at 3:30 in the morning and you’re sick as a dog, you’re in the middle of nowhere and you’ve got to play your fifth show later that night, and you haven’t slept, and you miss your friends, and you’re missing your family, and you’re completely lonely and miserable and sick — and you say to yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?’”
Despite those challenges, Urban said that his sense of purpose kept him going. He noted, “The only answer can be: Because this is what I’m born to do.” The Road follows 12 aspiring artists competing for the chance to open for Urban on his tour, while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at the industry.
Urban’s remarks about his touring struggles come shortly after confirmation that his 19-year marriage to Kidman had come to an end. The actress filed for divorce in Nashville on September 30.
