Industrial pioneers Ministry have officially set the stage for their final performance. Following the release of their (alleged) final studio album, Hate to Go (Take Out Or Delivery), the band will conclude their storied career exactly one year later with a massive farewell show at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. This announcement confirms the end of a long-running chapter for the industrial music scene.
A Final Farewell at the Kia Forum
The news was confirmed by Al Jourgensen during a candid interview with Licorice Pizza Records. Rather than approaching the event with somber reflection, Jourgensen envisions a celebratory atmosphere. He hinted that the stage might host a variety of guest musicians, potentially including artists from outside the band’s current touring lineup, to honor the group’s massive influence.
Jourgensen, who has famously teased retirement in the past, seems resolute this time around. He joked about his swift exit from the venue, quipping that he expects to be home before the crew even clears the stage, humorously suggesting that comedian Bill Burr might be the one to fly him out via helicopter.
"A lot of people that have said that I’ve influenced them and all that… the whole night is going to be a procession of just people saying goodbye." — Al Jourgensen
Life After Ministry
When asked about his future in music, the 68-year-old mastermind remains characteristically unpredictable. While he is stepping away from the Ministry moniker, he hasn’t ruled out future creative endeavors. He noted that he continues to receive offers for collaborations, including a potential remix for the group Katseye, and plans to continue picking only the projects that pique his interest.
Regarding the final album, Hate to Go (Take Out Or Delivery), Jourgensen expressed a sense of closure. "I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’m amazed at the path that it’s taken, from With Sympathy to where we’re at today," he stated. "It’s time to herd goats."
Farewell Tour Dates
Before the final curtain call in California, the band will embark on an extensive overseas leg of their farewell tour. The run begins on April 2, featuring support from Die Krupps, and includes stops across Europe and the United Kingdom, as well as a performance at the Sonic Temple festival in Ohio on May 16.
- April 2 — Utrecht, NL @ Ronda
- April 3 — Saarbrücken, DE @ Garage
- April 4 — Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique
- April 6 — Manchester, U.K. @ O2 Victoria Warehouse
- April 7 — Dublin, IE @ 3Olympia
- April 9 — Nottingham, UK @ Rock City
- April 10 — London, UK @ Troxy
- April 12 — Paris, FR @ Bataclan
- April 14 — Madrid, ES @ La Riviera
- April 15 — Barcelona, ES @ Paral-lel
- April 17 — Lausanne, CH @ Docks
- April 18 — Munich, DE @ Tonhalle
- April 19 — Vienna, AT @ Gasometer
- April 21 — Prague, CZ @ Forum Karlín
- April 22 — Warsaw, PL @ Progresja
- April 24 — Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle
- April 25 — Hamburg, DE @ Grosse Freiheit 36
- April 26 — Copenhagen, DK @ Amager Bio
- April 27 — Oslo, NO @ Rockefeller
- April 29 — Stockholm, SE @ Fållan
- May 1 — Helsinki, FI @ House of Culture
- May 16 — Columbus, Ohio @ Sonic Temple Festival
