Godflesh’s Justin K. Broadrick Announces Retirement From Touring Following Major Surgery

Godflesh founder Justin K. Broadrick has revealed that he will no longer perform live with the influential industrial metal outfit following a recent major surgery.

Broadrick shared the news on social media on March 4, explaining that complications tied to a severe inguinal hernia — and the resulting abdominal surgery — have forced him to step away from the physically demanding performances the band is known for.

According to Broadrick, the condition required significant open surgery rather than a less invasive procedure, leaving him with a lengthy recovery period and long-term physical limitations that make continuing to perform with Godflesh too risky.

“I’ve dreaded sharing this news, partly due to the threat of insensitive and/or negative comments, combined simply with the general anxiety of it all, I am also exhausted, but I’ve left comments on.

So, 3 weeks ago I had significant open abdominal surgery for a inguinal hernia that was close to an emergency.

I had a huge hernia, and for it to be repaired, I had to endure a 6 inch incision in my groin.

This unfortunately was not keyhole surgery.

I have a very weak abdominal wall, which at being 57 yrs old this year, is not going to improve.

If I continue to perform and shout/scream as I do with Godflesh, then I am at high risk for more hernias, and blowing out my abdominal wall entirely.

Godflesh live ended the day of my surgery, and upon the surgeon making this statement.”

Broadrick added that while the band’s touring era has effectively ended, Godflesh will continue to exist in the studio. He confirmed that the band’s next album, titled ‘Decay’, is currently being mixed and could arrive later this summer through Relapse Records.

“I have been mixing, what will be the penultimate GODFLESH album – ‘DECAY’, for release on Relapse in hopefully July/Aug, mixes are being completed imminently. The album is basically done.”

Looking further ahead, Broadrick also revealed that he has already written what will become the final Godflesh studio album. That record is expected to be completed sometime in 2026.

“I’ve had the final GODFLESH studio album written, for almost a year and half now, that will be recorded and completed late 2026.

After that there will continue to be GODFLESH dub albums, live albums, and so on, but no new studio releases nor performances.”

Despite stepping away from live performances with Godflesh, Broadrick clarified that he will continue touring with his other projects, including Jesu and JK Flesh, which don’t require the same intense vocal strain.

He also hinted at an upcoming solo venture that will further explore his trademark bleak and heavy sonic territory.

“In the near future, a new solo project will emerge, further exploring the parameters of heavy/ugly music, featuring my guitars and electronics, and of course vocals, but NOT shouted vocals!”

Broadrick said the recovery process from his surgery is expected to take around six months, noting that he is currently able to walk again but must move carefully while healing.

If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.