Orville Peck has said that he attempted suicide shortly before cancelling his Bronco tour in June 2023, amid severe struggles with addiction, alcohol use, and mental and physical health. He described the incident as a major turning point that led to rehabilitation and informed his forthcoming album, Mule, making the release a particularly personal account of recovery, loss and rebuilding.

Peck, 38, said the attempt occurred two days before the tour cancellation and followed a period he described as one of the worst in his life, including a breakup. Mule, his fourth studio album, is due on 18 September via Warner Records and contains 13 songs; its lead single, “Too Little, Too Late”, was released on 24 July. He is also scheduled to begin his Man Turned Mule North American tour on 28 October in Sacramento, ending on 22 November in Huntington, New York.