Orville Peck has revealed the devastating circumstances that led him to abruptly halt his “Bronco Tour” in 2023. The country singer, whose real name is Daniel Pitout, said he was struggling with addiction and alcoholism before attempting suicide during what he described as “one of the worst places” of his life.
The 38-year-old musician said the harrowing experience forced him to confront what was happening in his life. “I was a bad addict, a coping alcoholic,” Peck told Rolling Stone. “And I had this spiral moment, where I went back to my hotel and tried to take my life … It was a big turning point for me, with a lot of realizations to come. It was something that needed to happen.”
The difficult period reportedly also included the end of a relationship and a stint in rehab. Peck has now turned those experiences into his fourth studio album, “Mule,” which is scheduled to arrive on September 18.
The country star announced the project on Instagram, describing it as an intensely personal and chronological retelling of the year in which his life unraveled. “’Mule’ – my fourth studio album arrives 9/18/2026,” he wrote. “This record is a chronological account of the year I lost my way. You can pre-save it tonight at midnight EST, and listen to the first single, ‘Too Little, Too Late’ on all platforms.”
The Country Singer Initially Resisted Rehab
Peck also spoke candidly about his initial reluctance to accept treatment, admitting that he did not believe he belonged in rehab. “I didn’t want to be there. I thought it was a waste of time, that I’m unique and didn’t have a problem,” he said.
The singer attempted to cope with the experience through humor and songwriting. “So I was like, I’m going to write the funniest song about this experience, because at the time I was just like, ‘F-ck this. I want to leave,’” Peck recalled. That period ultimately inspired “Rehab Blues,” one of the songs created from his experience.
Orville Peck Previously Cited His Mental And Physical Health
When Peck postponed the remaining dates on his “Bronco Tour” in 2023, he did not disclose the full extent of what he had been facing. As The Blast reported at the time, the masked country singer instead told fans that his mental and physical health had made it impossible for him to continue performing at his best.
“I am completely heartbroken as I share this news, but I have made the incredibly difficult decision to postpone all of my upcoming shows effective immediately,” Peck wrote. “This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I’ve come to realize that my current mental and physical health won’t allow me to bring you my best.”
He emphasized how much he valued his audience and the opportunity to perform. “My fans mean the absolute world to me and I am so incredibly thankful to every single person who has bought a ticket to come and see us play, I do not take it for granted,” he continued. “Being on stage is my favorite thing in the world.”
Peck explained that stepping away was necessary if he wanted to return healthier and continue making music. “But I have to take this time to replenish my mind and body so that I can come back stronger and healthier than before, to do what I love for many years to come,” he added. “I truly hope you can understand.”
‘Mule’ Will Not Gloss Over His Difficult Year
Peck said honesty became essential while translating the painful chapter of his life into music. “What I was really trying to capture in terms of the concept, there was no way to gloss over or sugarcoat it,” he told Rolling Stone.
“Mule” follows his third album, “Stampede,” which was released in August 2024. Peck later made his Broadway debut in “Cabaret” during the summer of 2025, telling People at the time that he was “having the best time of my life.”
His upcoming album appears to offer a far more vulnerable account of the struggles that preceded those professional highs.
Orville Peck Is Returning To The Road
Peck will release “Mule” on September 18, the same day he is scheduled to headline the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and launch his “Man Turned Mule Tour.”
“Just Announced! Country crooner Orville Peck to headline the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, September 18th,” read a joint Instagram announcement from Peck and the venue. “Fresh off his Broadway debut in ‘Cabaret’ and musical collaborations with the likes of Willie Nelson, Elton John, Kylie Minogue & Beck – you won’t want to miss this very special performance in the city Orville calls home. Tickets info and more in bio.”
Peck later shared his excitement while announcing the tour’s opening dates. “Yeeeeehaw. I’m so excited to announce the first leg of the Man Turned Mule Tour,” he wrote. “Sign up for early access now at orvillepeck.com/tour.”
Presale opens next Tuesday, July 28, at 10 am, and general on sale next Friday, July 31, at 10 am.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health concerns, emotional distress, or substance use, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.