Candlebox have visited Fort Wayne many times throughout their 30-year career, but their next stop just might be their last.

When they come through town June 18 to perform at Sweetwater Performance Pavilion, it will be part of their Long Goodbye Tour, with opening act The Dead Deads.

Not only does the tour celebrate the 30th anniversary of their self-title debut album, it will also serve as the bands formal farewell to its fans.

Time to step away

Frontman Kevin Martin told Whatzup in a recent phone interview that while he is still proud of the band and what they have accomplished over the years, it is quite simply time to go. 

“It’s been 30 years since the debut album, which I still can’t believe, but being home during COVID changed my perspective on life, where I’m headed, and what life has to offer me and my family,” he said. 

The original plan was to wrap things up in 2021, but as is often the case, things didn’t go as planned. 

“So, I’m actually two years behind schedule,” Martin said. “That’s why it’s called The Long Goodbye. I’m still saying goodbye.”

The decision to end things was undoubtedly a tough one, but one Martin is confident is right for him. The lone remaining original member of the band, he has experienced all of the things he really loved about being a musician and where his career has gone. 

“I’m just ready to put it all aside,” he said. “I’ve missed a lot of my son’s growing up and my wife’s relationship, things I need to give some time to now.”

Off and running

Candlebox found immediate success with that 1993 album, selling more than 4 million copies on the strength of four charting singles, “You,” “Cover Me,” “Change,” and the ultra-catchy “Far Behind.” 

They emerged as part of the Seattle grunge movement and stood out by showing their wide range of influences and knack for writing a hook. 

Martin said that at the time of the album’s release, he couldn’t have imagined the band would have any kind of success, let alone still be standing 30 years down the road.

“There’s no guarantees,” he said. “Even being from Seattle, you know, a lot of our peers that were putting out records at the same time as us are all working at Microsoft now, so certainly I’m very lucky. I’ve also lost a lot of friends in this industry and that’s a sad thing. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about Layne (Staley), Kurt (Cobain), Chris (Cornell), Mark (Lanegan), and Andy (Wood). Those guys were very influential and inspirational to me.”

Candlebox have released seven albums, their latest being 2021’s Wolves.

Staying busy

Before they wave that final goodbye and ride off into the sunset this year, Candlebox have a documentary in the works, a live album, a box set with unreleased music, and one last studio album.  

“We just finished it in Nashville,” Martin said of the album, slated for an October release. “It’s a very, very different record for us, and I’m super-excited about that.”

When asked to look back and pick a few things he is proud to have accomplished, Martin did not hesitate. 

“Being a father and a husband is something that I am incredibly proud of,” he said. “But, when it comes to music, 30 years of making records is not an easy thing to do, and it’s certainly no small feat. In order to live this life and create, you’ve really got to commit. That’s a difficult thing to do for a lot of people.”

Feeling like imposter

In the past, Martin has been quoted as saying he was not sure he deserved all of the success he has had. 

He said he has a real case of imposter syndrome. 

“It’s something, I think, most musicians have,” he said. “You have to be somewhat self-deprecating as a musician in order to produce what you need to produce.” 

He also said the feeling comes from watching his peers. 

“I had friends in Seattle that were in better bands, in my opinion,” he said. “There’s a band called Sweetwater that were some of our best friends in the world, and we always thought they were going to be enormous. Sometimes the spotlight shines brighter on other people and I don’t know why it shone brighter on us. So that part of where that feeling comes from, too.”

Filling the void

This tour wraps up headlining shows for the band, but Candlebox will remain on the road through September, opening for 3 Doors Down. 

Martin said he will still play acoustically at the occasional charity event, too, but this touring cycle really is going to be the end for the band because he has plenty of other things waiting to fill the void. 

His foundation, the Riptide Society, will take a lot of his time.

“I’m also doing some podcasts, along with directing some music documentaries next year. My wife also has a clothing line that I will be involved with, so that’ll take up some of my time as well.”

Candlebox will perform the entire debut album on The Long Goodbye tour, not in sequence, “but you will hear every song on that record,” Martin said. “Then we are going to sprinkle in some stuff from Lucy, some stuff from Happy Pills, some stuff from Into the Sun, Disappearing in Airports, Love Stories & Other Musings and the new record. It’s about wrapping this up with a nice little bow and saying goodbye.”

On a final note, Martin said Fort Wayne was definitely on the short list of cities he wanted to visit on this last trek since fans here have been with the band from the beginning. 

“I love Fort Wayne,” he said. “It’s a great town and I’ve had a lot of fun there. I’m sure people remember stumbling on me doing karaoke next door to Piere’s back in the day. We’ve had some great memories there and I’m really looking forward to coming back and playing one last time.”