He Embraces Adam Anderson’s Struggles to Host the Upcoming Anniversary Show “Happiness,” Aiming to Center on Well-Being and Mental Health

Adam Anderson Focuses on Mental Health

Harts, Adam Anderson, will step back from the upcoming anniversary show of the duet “Happiness” to prioritize his mental health and well-being.

• READ MORE: Pain in the 15-year-old “Happiness”: “We overcame the group section”

Manchester synthesizers are set to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut album with a show this summer, headlined by a main date at the O2 Brixton Academy in London on May 22. Additional performances will be held in Berlin, ULM, Bochum, and Frankfurt, as well as at festivals in Serbia and Poland. Get tickets here.

Anderson’s Decision

In an Instagram message on Friday (May 9), Anderson revealed his decision to step back from the show. “As many of you know, I have been battling with my mental health for many years,” he stated. “Due to my ongoing recovery, I’ve made the tough choice to withdraw from all upcoming Harts shows this year and focus entirely on my well-being.”

“This was not an easy decision, but right now it is necessary,” he added.

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The post from Adam Anderson (@adamhurts)

“I want to express my love and gratitude to Theo for his understanding and support throughout this decision. All shows will proceed as planned with Theo taking the lead, and I couldn’t be happier for them to happen,” Anderson shared.

He also mentioned that “Happiness” is the album that “changed our lives forever,” expressing his appreciation for the fans. “You have supported me as a person and as a group for many years, and I never take that for granted. I don’t want anyone to worry about me. I am doing everything I can to recover with a strong support system around me and look forward to getting better.”

Theo Khatchakl responded with his own Instagram Stories post, stating he was “completely devastated” by the news but respected Anderson’s decision to step back for health reasons. “Adam and I formed this group together, and he has given everything over the past 15 years,” he noted. “We are lifelong friends and partners.”

“I will perform with the incredible band Harts, which has been with us from the start. We will definitely create an unforgettable experience this summer, whether you are in the front row or watching from afar. Love you, friend, x.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TB1x67DO5U

Awareness of Mental Health

In the past, Anderson has openly discussed his struggles with depression and anxiety. “I have dealt with anxiety and depression for over 20 years. It started in my adolescence and progressively worsened as I got older,” he reflected in 2017.

He continued, “The pain is real. It is not romanticized, and it can affect anyone. There is no hierarchy involved. We are all vulnerable. I want to live with an open heart. I will no longer hide in plain sight.” Read his full post here.

Later, he discussed with NME how he became public about his struggles. “There were actually two phases,” he explained. “The first was writing about it from the very beginning, and it felt like a weight lifted. This made me realize it’s not always about the person you trust; you don’t have to keep it inside.”

“If you don’t express it, it festers within you. The second phase was an act that allows others to understand.”

In addition, the group recently reflected on the legacy of “Happiness” with NME. This album was the fastest-selling in the UK in 2010, and Hatch said, “We succeeded despite the split in the group. Our goal was to reclaim what people loved, for the same reasons others might have hated it. We encountered mixed reviews, with some giving us zero stars and others five! Our aim was to blend alternative sounds with pop, which was unprecedented at the time.