Dave Matthews 'needed break from touring'

Dave Matthews has revealed that his band took a break from touring for most of this year so he could spend more time with his family.

The Dave Matthews Band have been known for their relentless live concert schedule in years past, but the 'Crush' singer told The AP that he needed a lengthy break after wrapping an extensive tour in late 2010.

Matthews said: "Last year I spent was away from my family a lot. It's hard for me to leave my kids, and it's harder on me than it is on them.

"It's funny, I get a little quieter with time. I don't want to chase my tail and one day repeat myself and repeat myself and one day have kids going to college and not have memories that I should, because I was too busy doing my thing."

Matthews will return to the stage for 12 gigs this summer as part of his group's 'Caravan' tour, which will also feature The Flaming Lips, David Gray and The Roots on various dates.

He explained that a desire to reconnect with his bandmates inspired him to put together a smaller-scale concert series.

"A lot of the guys wanted to play and I love playing with this band. I've just been wanting to take a break from being on the road," the musician noted. "I'm not as up for the crazy tour schedule this year... but I still love playing music. It does seem like a good way not to live on a bus and go to someplace and see some good musicians play, and then work a little bit."

The Dave Matthews Band, who have amassed a dozen US platinum-selling albums, kick off their 'Caravan' tour tonight in Atlantic City, before moving on to Chicago, Governors Island, NY and George, WA. They will play three straight nights in each town before moving on.

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Watch the Dave Matthews Band's 'Crush' music video below: