W&W’s Willem takes touring break to focus on mental health

Willem van Hanegem, one half of the Dutch electronic music duo W&W, has announced that he will step away from touring temporarily to focus on his mental health. The producer shared a personal message explaining that the pressures of constant travel and performance had taken a toll, prompting him to pause and prioritize recovery.

Willem van Hanegem, one half of the Dutch electronic music duo W&W, has announced that he will step away from touring temporarily to focus on his mental health. The producer shared a personal message explaining that the pressures of constant travel and performance had taken a toll, prompting him to pause and prioritize recovery.

Fans recently noticed something unusual during several W&W performances, where only Ward van der Harst appeared on stage. Shortly afterward, Willem addressed the situation, confirming that he had decided to take a break from touring to rest and reset after experiencing exhaustion linked to the demanding pace of life on the road.

In his statement, Willem explained that stepping away was not an easy decision. For years he had prioritized his career and live shows, but he ultimately realized that focusing on his well-being had to come first.

Despite his temporary absence, the W&W project will continue to appear on stages worldwide. Ward has already performed solo at events including Dreamstate in California and Time Nightclub, representing the duo while Willem takes time off.

For more than a decade, W&W have remained staples of global festival lineups, known for their energetic blend of big room, trance, and progressive sounds. While the current touring dynamic may look slightly different, the duo reassured fans that this pause is simply a moment for recovery — and that Willem hopes to return to the stage alongside Ward in the future.