For those who know Mark and have been following him for decades know that Mark will stop the moment he is physically or mentally not able. He has said multiple times that he will go on till the end (when he falls over).
Making music is his biggest passion. He will keep on making music as long as he can. He is in the possession of an endless well of drive and inspiration. The songs keep on pushing from within him. And remember B.B. King was still performing at 88. Paul McCartney is still performing at 83. Mick Jagger at 81....
Mark is aware of his mortality and touring becomes physical challenging at at certain age. For Mark it ecspecially becomes very difficult to play the very technically guitar parts of his songs. His guitarplaying has been of a different level during his career than the most famous musicians out there. Only few can match him. Like the Jeff Becks, David Gilmours and all of this world.
So I think he decided to spend more time with his family, spend more time in his candystore of musical equipment at British Grove, spend more time on writing songs, but sacrificing Touring for it, cause he isn't able anymore to put out the quality he wants for his live peformances. Remember he is kinda perfectionist with a clear vision.
So people don't worry, new material will come. Just have a little patience. The release of One Deep River and The Boy was just last year. Knowing Mark there will be a new album in 2025. Mark works in cycles and works with the seasons. He does his album recording usually in the fall and winter. When it's grey, wet and cold outside. Use probably the spring and summer now for family trips, his other hobbies (race cars) and writing the songs.
It wouldn't even suprise me he would reinvent himself a bit. Doing a few gigs in London next year. Let the fans come to him instead of him goig to the fans and completely swap to slide guitarplaying. Since that will be easier to pull off. (Wishful thinking
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