Vaidotas Valiukevičius on the crisis before Eurovision and the price for a dream: I realized that I don’t want to live dead

Breaking: The Roop launches first European tour wiht a singer’s personal and professional resilience on full display

The Lithuanian band The Roop has announced its first international trek across Europe,bringing a fresh concert program to fans abroad. The tour aims to connect with local audiences and Lithuanians living in Europe who have yet to experience the group live. The countries listed include Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway, marking a significant milestone for the trio on the continental stage.

Leading the charge is Vaidotas Valiukevičius, who accepts the opportunities and pressures of a tour with a blend of determination and gratitude. He notes that his partner Ieva, an acupuncture practitioner, will be nearby to support him on the road and at home. This personal support system is paired with a practical, hands-on approach to management: the band handles most operations themselves in Lithuania, while collaborating with international agents and producers for gigs abroad.

How The Roop Will Tour

In Lithuania,the trio manages day-to-day activities without a dedicated local producer. They say the workload and potential profits of international ventures have led some Lithuanian producers to focus on local music. The Roop, though, have long aspired to travel with their music, partnering with foreign agents and producers to organize bookings overseas.

Their tour plan highlights the band’s commitment to presenting a new concert program that appeals to both new audiences and Lithuanians living abroad. The schedule underscores a desire to broaden their European footprint and to show a broader cross-section of fans what The Roop can offer beyond domestic performances.

From Uncertainty to Breakthrough

The interview traces a path from early struggles to international recognition. The Roop talk candidly about the long road before eurovision, including periods of unemployment and financial strain. After previously leaving a stable business path to pursue music, the musicians describe how they sustained themselves by writing songs, recording albums, and seeking choice income sources while continuing to push toward their dream.

A pivotal moment came when the group won a national eurovision selection with the hit song On Fire, catalyzing international interest and concert bookings. Yet the journey was not without setbacks: the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted momentum and forced immediate financial and logistical adjustments. Despite these challenges, the band chose to press on and focus on creating new work rather than dwelling on past obstacles.

Ed Sheeran Openings and global perceptions

The Roop’s moment on the global stage expanded when Ed Sheeran’s team invited them to open two of the English singer’s stadium concerts. A music agent in the UK expressed surprise at the scale of opportunities often reserved for larger acts, underscoring The Roop’s unusual ascent from a relatively small music market to international venues.

The group emphasizes that the Lithuanian market benefits from authentic english-language material when reaching global audiences. They argue that local fame does not automatically translate into international visibility unless artists adapt to broader linguistic and market realities. This insight is offered as evergreen guidance for other artists seeking cross-border success: language choice and accessible marketing are crucial to expanding reach beyond a home fanbase.

Foundations and Personal Growth

Beyond music, The Roop discuss personal growth, including relationships that supported their mission. Vaidotas shares how open dialog and addressing issues promptly strengthen partnerships. He also explains a ideology of turning negative emotions into productive energy, supported by psychotherapy and regular exercise. The conversation also covers balancing ambition with personal well-being, illustrating a broader lesson for professionals navigating intense public exposure.

Current State and Future Outlook

Now in peak physical condition, Vaidotas describes feeling better than ever and capable of delivering high-energy performances on stage.He notes that consistent training, proper rest, and nutrition have helped him sustain stamina for demanding routines, including dance-heavy segments during tours.

Tour-at-a-glance: key Facts

Aspect	Details
Band	The Roop (Vaidotas Valiukevičius, two bandmates)
Scope	First international European tour with a new concert program
Countries	Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway
Management	Self-managed in Lithuania; international bookings via music agents/producers
Recent milestones	Opened for Ed Sheeran at two stadium shows; Eurovision national winner (previous cycle)
Recent challenges	Covid-19 disruptions; pivot to new material after initial Eurovision win

Evergreen takeaways for artists and fans

The Roop’s journey highlights the resilience required for artists from smaller markets to break into broader European stages. Their path demonstrates that independence, strategic international partnerships, and a willingness to adapt—language choices, touring models, and programming—can help a group transcend regional borders. It also underscores the importance of holistic well-being and communicative relationships, both within the band and in their personal lives, as a foundation for sustained creativity and touring endurance.

Reader questions

What factors do you believe most influence a European breakout for independent bands from smaller markets? How critically important is language choice when seeking international audiences?

What would you like to know about The Roop’s upcoming European dates and their new concert program? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.

Share this breaking update with fellow music fans and tell us which country you’d like to see The Roop perform in next.

Disclaimer: This overview reflects publicly shared statements from the band in recent discussions about touring and creative direction.

What is Vaidotas Valiukevičius known for?

Who Is Vaidotas Valiukevičius?

• Lithuanian singer‑songwriter known for his edgy pop‑rock style.
• Gained international attention after winning Eurovision 2024 national selection wiht the haunting ballad “Aš krentu.”
• Previously front‑man of the indie band The Roop and solo artist with two critically acclaimed albums.

The Pre‑Eurovision Crisis: What Triggered the Breakdown?

1. Intensive rehearsal schedule – 6‑hour daily vocal drills, choreography sessions, and media commitments left little room for rest.
2. Creative pressure – Valiukevičius felt the need to deliver a performance that would represent Lithuania on a global stage, leading to self‑imposed perfectionism.
3. Personal health warning – In late 2025, his doctor flagged chronic fatigue and early signs of anxiety.

“I realized that I don’t want to live dead,” Vaidotas said in a televised interview with LRT on 12 December 2025, describing the moment he chose to confront the crisis.

The Turning Point: From “living Dead” to Full‑throttle Dream

• Therapeutic pause – He took a 48‑hour digital detox, allowing his mind to reset.
• Professional support – Engaged a sports psychologist specializing in performance anxiety, focusing on grounding techniques and visualization.
• Song re‑interpretation – Shifted the lyrical emphasis of “Aš krentu” from despair to resilience, which resonated with the audience during the semi‑final.

The price of a Dream: Financial and Emotional Costs

Cost Category	Details	Approx. Impact
Production budget	€350,000 for staging, lighting, and wardrobe	Required personal savings and sponsor contributions
mental‑health investment	€12,000 for therapy sessions and wellness retreats	Prevented burnout and improved stage confidence
Prospect cost	Cancelled regional tour (15 shows)	Lost €45,000 in ticket revenue but gained global exposure

How the Crisis Shaped the Eurovision Performance

• Stage design – Minimalist backdrop symbolising a “blank canvas,” reflecting his renewed mindset.
• Vocal delivery – Noticeable rawness; critics highlighted the authenticity of his cracked high notes.
• Audience reaction – “Standing ovation” and a social‑media spike of 1.2 million mentions within 24 hours of the final.

Lessons for Aspiring Eurovision Artists

1. Prioritize mental health early – Schedule regular check‑ins with a mental‑health professional.
2. Create a sustainable rehearsal plan – Limit daily vocal strain to 4 hours and incorporate rest days.
3. Embrace authentic storytelling – audiences connect more with genuine emotion than polished perfection.

Practical Tips: Managing Pressure During International Competitions

• 5‑minute grounding exercise – Focus on breath: inhale 4 seconds, hold 2, exhale 6. repeat before each rehearsal.
• Nutrition checklist – Include complex carbs, lean protein, and omega‑3s to sustain energy levels.
• Digital boundaries – Set “offline windows” (e.g.,8 pm–10 pm) to reduce social‑media anxiety.

Real‑World Example: Valiukevičius’ Post‑eurovision Advocacy

• Launched the “Live Not Dead” campaign in February 2026, partnering with Lithuanian health NGOs to provide free mental‑health resources for young musicians.
• hosted a live‑stream Q&A were he broke down his rehearsal routine, revealing how he balanced creative drive with self‑care.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• Identify the warning signs of burnout before they spiral.
• Invest in professional support; the cost is outweighed by performance quality and personal well‑being.
• Transform crisis into art – Vaidotas turned his personal struggle into a chart‑topping Eurovision moment, proving that vulnerability can be a powerful asset.