Oteil Burbridge Announces Break from Touring and Tedeschi Trucks Band

Oteil Burbridge posted an announcement on his Facebook page yesterday that he’s decided to take a break and leaving the Tedeschi Trucks Band tour, currently in progress.

It appears that all is well with the band and Oteil, who shared there’s some personal motivation behind the move.

“After 25 years of intensive touring, I have come to the very difficult decision that I must cut my yearly tour schedule back and will not be able to continue to tour with the Tedeschi Trucks Band,” the Burbridge shared. “This much needed break from heavy touring will allow me to recoup, recharge and address my main priority in life right now, which is to start a family. I have the utmost love and respect for every member of this band and the music that we have made together, and I’m proud of our many accomplishments over the last three years. I certainly hope that we have music left to make together in the future.”

He also mentioned his upcoming solo record, Water In The Desert and “other surprises” coming.

Tedeschi Trucks shared their own statement as well, saying “We are sad to see our brother Oteil leave TTB but we want what is best for every member of our family, and we respect Oteil’s decision to make a change. We’ve had many amazing shows and sessions with him over the years, documented by two albums we’re very proud of. We wish Oteil the best and look forward to the next time we can share the stage.”

The band has announced that three different bassists from their “extended family of musicians” will be filling in over the fall tour. Ted Pecchio will play on the shows October 18th through 20th, Dave Monsey will perform from October 27th through November 3rd, and George Porter Jr will handle the low end duties from November 27th through December 2nd.

We wish Oteil and his family the best.