End Of An Era: Chasing Ghosts Announce Indefinite Hiatus

After nearly 16 years of fiercely heartfelt punk rock, community building and tireless touring, Melbourne/Naarm outfit Chasing Ghosts have announced they’re heading into an indefinite hiatus.

The First Nations-led group confirmed the news in a heartfelt message sent to fans, with frontman and proud Thungutti man Jimmy Kyle revealing the decision ultimately came down to family.

CHASING GHOSTS – ‘FLOWERS’

“Family has to come first,” Kyle wrote. “It’s time for me to be the father my son needs me to be.”

The announcement marks the end of a significant chapter for one of Australia’s most emotionally resonant independent punk acts – a band that spent the better part of two decades blending raw honesty, social commentary and deeply personal storytelling into a catalogue that struck a chord with fans across Australia and beyond.

“I started Chasing Ghosts before I even owned a guitar,” Kyle reflected. “I borrowed my dad’s just to write those first songs that became Confessions From a Phone Booth nearly 16 years ago.”

From those early DIY beginnings, Chasing Ghosts went on to tour extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Europe and the UK, while releasing a string of acclaimed records including I Am Jimmy Kyle, Homelands and last year’s powerful third album, Therapy.

Along the way, Kyle also acknowledged key collaborators and supporters who helped shape the band’s journey, including Andrew Neufeld, producer Lincoln LeFevre and Stevie Knight, while also thanking fans for turning the project into “more than just a band”.

“You helped turn this into more than just a band – you made it a community,” he wrote.

Kyle also paid tribute to bandmates Benny Clark and Josh Burgan, explaining that all three members are now balancing parenthood and family responsibilities alongside music.

“Our drummer Benny deserves that same opportunity, and Josh is already doing an incredible job balancing life with his two beautiful girls,” he wrote.

Before stepping away, Chasing Ghosts will play three intimate farewell shows – their final interstate performance taking place at Darling Nikki’s in Sydney on May 15, before the band close things out for good at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on June 25 and 26 (already sold out).

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“These will be incredibly special nights, and we’d love for you to be there with us one last time,” Kyle said.

The band also confirmed that remaining online merch stock will be their final print run.

While the future of Chasing Ghosts remains uncertain, the impact they’ve had on Australia’s punk and alternative scene – particularly as a proudly First Nations-led voice within heavy music – is undeniable.

And judging by the outpouring of love already flooding social media, this hiatus is going to leave a pretty significant hole in the community they helped build.