It has been quite the year for the foursome of talented musicians who comprise the folk rock band from the U.K., also known as Mumford & Sons. The band has had plenty of reason to celebrate due to the fact that that they were nominated for six Grammys, and were winners in two categories. They also embarked on a successful world tour to promote their latest album, "Babel." But on a more somber note, the band’s bassist Ted Dwane was rushed into emergency surgery in June to remove a blood clot that was found on the surface of his brain. So, it is safe to say that it has been an extreme rollercoaster of a year for the band.

 On Friday, September 20th, Mumford & Sons performed their last concert for their tour in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Little did the audience know, though, that it was quite a bittersweet show. After their performance, Ben Lovett, the band’s keyboardist, stated to Rolling Stone magazine, “There won’t be any Mumford & Sons activities to the foreseeable future…”

 Mumford fans should not start rebelling though; this is NOT a breakup for the band. It is simply a break. Since the band’s debut album “Sigh No More” skyrocketed them into international stardom in 2009, the band has been going nonstop. The boys has produced two stellar albums, been nominated for dozens of awards, gone on several tours and headlined and played at multiple music festivals, including Coachella and Glastonbury. 

Mumford & Sons is known for their catchy folk sound, their use of numerous instruments (their emphasis on banjo playing has frequently been noted) and their deep and literary lyrics. But, it is important to note that the band members are only in their mid 20s. They have the rest of their lives to continue to produce the music that has been accepted and loved by so many people. Ted needs to focus on his health, and Marcus Mumford, the band’s lead singer, married actress Carey Mulligan last April so there's no doubt he wants time to focus on his relationship. Ben Lovett also is the co-founder of the record label, Communion, which has produced artists including Gotye and Michael Kiwanuka, who is an artist that opened for the band on their latest tour. And Winston Marshall has plenty he can do to keep busy with his skills in banjo playing, guitar and vocals. The band deserves some time to take a break and focus on other elements of their lives.

When asked about details of the hiatus, Ben Lovett told Rolling Stone, "We have no idea. We just know we’re going to take a considerable amount of time off and just go back to hanging out and having no commitments or pressure or anything like that. It feels like the last week of school right now, before school holiday when you’re in high school. The atmosphere on the road is one of . . . I think everyone’s excited about being free of schedules."

This is an indisputably well-deserved break for the band, and when they return, they will undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms and eager ears. 

 

 

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