Canadian musician, composer, and producer Devin Townsend is officially returning to the stage. Following a brief hiatus from the road, the progressive metal visionary has announced the “Metamorphosis” European solo tour, scheduled to run throughout September and October 2026. The live trek coincides with the promotional cycle for his highly anticipated new rock opera, The Moth, which arrives on May 29 via InsideOut Music.
Over a prolific four-decade career, Devin Townsend has achieved cult status for his immense polymathic talent and boundary-pushing creativity. In 2025, after delivering the massive live debut of The Moth in Groningen, Netherlands, and completing major world tours that included iconic stops like the Royal Albert Hall, he announced an indefinite hiatus from touring. The much-needed break allowed him to return home, finish the studio version of The Moth, and mentally prepare for his next artistic chapter.
Discussing his return to live performances and the emotional weight of his latest work, Devin Townsend shared:
“The Moth feels like the culmination of all my musical experiences and my journey in life so far. And as The Moth spreads its wings, I’m also aware of how much I’ve changed, and consequently how much remains to be expressed.”
He elaborated on the therapeutic and reflective nature of the upcoming solo run:
“The making of this album took me on quite a journey of self-exploration. This opportunity to get out there, tell my story with this renewed clarity, celebrate my entire anthology of music across a variety of projects (and the stories behind them) offers an opportunity to connect with the audience who made this all happen and do what I love in the process: Play music. I’ve been told The Moth seems like my life’s work and I would agree, though it was a life that no longer exists. Moving into this new life is the path now, and these events offer an introduction to that.”
The “Metamorphosis” tour marks a rare, unfiltered chance for fans to witness Devin Townsend in an intimate solo setting. Spanning 23 shows across 10 European countries, the performances will feature a highly varied, rotating setlist pulling from his massive 31-album discography. Attendees can expect deep cuts, fan favorites, and bizarre surprises from his vast array of bands and projects, including Punky Brüster, Casualties Of Cool, Devin Townsend Project, and the legendary extreme metal outfit Strapping Young Lad.
While some fans may be holding out hope for a full-scale orchestral tour complete with a choir and world-class band to support the new rock opera, the musician gently managed expectations regarding a massive live production right out of the gate.
“If the audience at large desires this, I would love to, but let’s walk again before we fly. I’m just looking forward to seeing you all again, singing and playing the music from this vast catalogue and discussing the stories behind it all. Thank you and I so look forward to seeing you all again.”
The Moth will be released across three distinct parts. The main studio album will be accompanied by The Moth – The Afterlife, which highlights the pure grandeur of the orchestra and choir. Additionally, The Moth – The War captures the raw emotion of the project’s live musical debut, which took place in March 2025 in The Netherlands.
The project will be available in multiple formats, including a limited deluxe 3CD+Blu-ray artbook containing the main album, The Moth – The Afterlife, and The Moth – The War (Live). The Blu-ray features the full live film, along with Dolby Atmos and High Resolution Stereo mixes of the studio material. Other physical formats include a limited 2CD edition, a standard CD jewelcase, a triple-gatefold 180g 2LP, and digital versions.
Alongside the Noord Nederlands Orkest and orchestrators Joseph Stevenson and Niels Bye Nielsen, the project features longtime band members Darby Todd, Mike Keneally, and James Leach. Guest appearances include Steve Vai, Anneke Van Giersbergen, and Lynn Wu (Ou).
Visual artists Travis Smith and Eliran Kantor contributed to the overarching aesthetic, with key creative consultation provided by Mike St-Jean. The technical crew included co-mixer Chris Edrich, recording engineers Ben Searles and Jacob Hermann, Atmos mixer Ron Searles, and mastering engineer Troy Glessner, alongside choirs from various countries across the globe who helped land the behemoth project.
Devin Townsend “Metamorphosis” 2026 Solo European Tour Dates:
- Sep. 01 – Birmingham, UK @ Glee Club
- Sep. 02 – Bath, UK @ Komedia
- Sep. 03 – Southampton, UK @ The 1865
- Sep. 04 – Exeter, UK @ The Phoenix
- Sep. 06 – London, UK @ Union Chapel
- Sep. 07 – Oslo, Norway @ Centrum Scene
- Sep. 09 – Gothenburg, Sweden @ Pustervik
- Sep. 10 – Stockholm, Sweden @ NYA Cirkus
- Sep. 12 – Helsinki, Finland @ Finlandia Talo
- Sep. 15 – Hamburg, Germany @ Markethalle
- Sep. 16 – Warsaw, Poland @ Stodola
- Sep. 18 – Vienna, Austria @ Simm City
- Sep. 20 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Volkhaus
- Sep. 22 – Paris, France @ La Bataclan
- Sep. 23 – Marseille, France @ Le Silo
- Sep. 26 – Munich, Germany @ Werk 7 Theatre
- Sep. 28 – Cologne, Germany @ Stadthalle
- Sep. 29 – Utrecht, Netherlands @ Tivoli GZ
- Oct. 01 – Brighton, UK @ Old Market
- Oct. 02 – Cardiff, UK @ The Gate
- Oct. 04 – Glasgow, UK @ Oran Mor
- Oct. 05 – Manchester, UK @ RNCM
- Oct. 06 – Leeds, UK @ Howard Assembly Rooms
