Wasted Penguinz has announced that he will temporarily stop performing. Pontuz, the man behind the hardstyle act, revealed in a personal video message that he has been struggling with his mental health and has therefore decided to step away from touring. All of his remaining shows in 2026 will be cancelled, with the exception of Melodic Madness, which will be his final performance for the time being this coming weekend.
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On Saturday, Wasted Penguinz shared a personal message with his fans via his YouTube channel. Pontuz wanted to share the news with his fans himself and explain why he will not be taking the stage for the foreseeable future. The artist explains that he has been trying to push through, but has now realised that he can no longer continue this way.
“I can’t keep going like this”
“I’ve been struggling with my mental health and after trying to push through it, I’ve realized that I can’t keep going like this,” Pontuz explains. “I need to step back and take care of myself.”
According to Wasted Penguinz, the decision to temporarily step away from touring was not an easy one. His love for music and performing has not disappeared. “I love making music. I love being on stage and I love seeing all of you guys at festivals and shows around the world. You’ve given me some of the best memories of my life. I’m so grateful for that.” However, he has now decided to put his health first. “But right now, I just need some time away from everything.”
Melodic Madness will be his final show for the time being
The decision means that Wasted Penguinz will cancel his remaining performances in 2026. There is one exception: Melodic Madness. The event takes place this coming weekend, on Saturday 26 September, at Poppodium 013 in Tilburg. This means Melodic Madness will be his final performance for the time being.
Pontuz does not yet know when he will return. “I’m not going to promise a date for when I’ll be back. Right now, my only focus is getting better one step at a time.”
“This is not a goodbye”
Although he will not be taking the stage for the foreseeable future, Pontuz emphasises that this does not mean the end of Wasted Penguinz. He is also working on his own Wasted Penguinz community, where fans can come together and where he plans to be active himself. “This is not a goodbye. I’m not going anywhere. This means that I need some time off from touring, from events and stuff like that.”
Finally, he thanks his fans for the support they have shown him during this period. “Thank you guys for all the love and support and understanding you’ve shown me, especially in the hard times, in the hard moments. It means more than I can say.”
He concludes his message with a reminder to his fans: “Take care of yourselves, each other, and I will see you when I’m ready.”
Images via: REBiRTH Events
