It’s no secret that the last two and a half years have been hard on everyone. A lot of people were displaced, losing loved ones, and dealing with an overall sense of confusion and at times, hopelessness. In the wake of the pandemic, more and more prominent figures have begun speaking on their personal experiences, and we as fans get a glimpse at the person behind the act, and the real issues that may be prevalent.
The latest to do so is Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton. Patton cancelled what would have been Faith No More’s first tour in five years back in September of 2021, citing mental health issues as the cause. The full statement from last year is viewable below.
“Sorry to report that due to mental health reasons, I cannot continue with the currently scheduled Faith No More and Mr. Bungle dates. I have issues that were exacerbated by the pandemic that are challenging me right now. I don’t feel I can give what I should at this point and I am not going to give anything less than 100 percent. I am sorry to our fans and hope to make it up to you soon. The bands’ support me in this decision and we look forward to working through this in a healthy way.”
In a new interview, Patton goes into further detail about what has been plaguing his mind since 2020.
Patton said in July that he was diagnosed with agoraphobia during the height of the pandemic. Coupled with alcohol, it caused Patton to retreat. This week, the vocalist said he is now sober, though he suggested there are still “issues” within the Faith No More camp when he spoke with The Guardian on Oct. 19.
“My initial response to the pandemic was: ‘I love this shit!’ It allowed me to be an antisocial motherfucker! I had maybe three months of that: ‘This is fucking awesome!’ Then something changed – and not for the better.”
He goes on.
“Because I was isolated so much, going outside was a hard thing to do. That’s a horrible thing. And the idea of doing more Faith No More shows — it was stressful. It affected me mentally. I don’t know why, but the drinking just … happened.”
Now, however, Patton said he’s “doing pretty good” after cutting out the drinking. To The Guardian, he expressed excitement to get back to touring. “But I’m also afraid,” he said. Afraid of what?
“I’m afraid of myself. The band is rock solid, and I want to make sure that I bring it. There are a few issues going on.”
What issues are those?
“I don’t know if I wanna tell you.”
Faith No More currently have no plans to reschedule their cancelled gigs. One of Patton’s other acts, Mr. Bungle, are due to tour South America in December.
From 1990’s MTV Video Music Awards, here’s Faith No More doing their breakthrough hit single “Epic.”
