Miley Cyrus shared her perspective on touring, emphasizing the toll it takes on her well-being, and shedding light on the intricacies of being a musician on the road.
In a recent installment of her "Used To Be Young" series on TikTok, the artist, renowned for tracks like "Flowers," delved into her decision not to promote her music by touring.
@mileycyrus Used To Be Young (Series) - PART 6
Drawing from her experiences as a former cheerleader, Cyrus talked about how her past laid the groundwork for her touring engagements.
She examined common misconceptions about the challenges musicians face while touring.
The energetic performer explained:
"The show is only 90 minutes but that’s your life."
Cyrus highlighted the necessity for adequate downtime, particularly given the intensity of her performances.
Cyrus also explored the adverse impact of nurturing one's ego during extended tours, revealing:
"I think when you're training your ego, every single night to be active, that's the hardest switch for me to turn off."
Having embarked on her last extensive tour during her Bangerz Tour back in 2014, Cyrus disclosed her reservations about the touring lifestyle, citing its adverse effects on her well-being.
She candidly said:
"Having every day the relationship between you and other humans being subject and observer isn't healthy for me, because it erases my humanity and my connection, and without my humanity [and] my connection I can't be a songwriter, which is my priority."
This sentiment echoed her earlier interview with British Vogue, where Cyrus pondered the trade-offs of living for others' enjoyment and fulfillment.
She recounted:
"It's been a minute. After the last [headline arena] show I did [in 2014], I kind of looked at it as more of a question. And I can't. Not only 'can't', because can't is your capability, but my desire."
After the response to her remarks, Cyrus shared a clarifying post on Instagram, underlining her deep connection with her fans.
She recognized the profound influence her fans have on her journey, citing their role in her victories, and also allowed for the possibility of change in the future—a flexibility that has been a hallmark of her career.
Fans everywhere seemed to support her decision.
Fans were, however, understandably disappointed.
In her trademark fashion, Cyrus offered fans a candid and introspective portrayal of her relationship with touring, revealing the intricate interplay between her identity as an artist, the toll of the road, and her desire for authenticity and artistic vitality.
@LeeMerrittesq/X
@bob_moss/X
@jelanijones/Bluesky
@Aurkayne/X
@sadcommunistdog; @froglok/Bluesky