Triple M host Marty Sheargold returns to airwaves after abrupt, months-long absence

Months after suddenly vanishing from airwaves, Triple M’s Marty Sheargold has returned to the airwaves and opened up about what happened.

Triple M’s Marty Sheargold has returned to the airwaves this morning after abruptly going off air last October.

The veteran presenter, who broadcasts from Melbourne, addressed his “extended break” during his first show back on Monday, jokingly telling listeners that he’d “survived” before delving into what sparked it.

“I just realised I’d absolutely burned myself out over the last couple of years,” Sheargold told his co-hosts, adding that he’d been inspired by two high-profile AFL coach’s decisions to take time off.

“I was actually inspired by Alistair Clarkson and Damien Hardwick, two men last year who put their hands up and said, ‘I need a break. And I thought, ‘You know, I need a break.’”

Marty Sheargold has returned to the airwaves. Picture: Instagram/@martysheargoldshow

He explained that he’d been “burned” out. Picture: Instagram/@martysheargoldshow

Sheargold, who hosts The Marty Sheargold Show in Melbourne, sparked plenty of speculation with his sudden disappearance in October, and later released a written statement to listeners.

“I just wanted to let people know that I’ll be taking an extended break from work, with the very kind and compassionate permission of my employers, who have been generous in their understanding of my need for a break,” Sheargold said in the statement.

Sheargold hosts Triple M breakfast. Picture: Supplied/Triple M

The presenter went on to share that he’s been feeling “mentally exhausted” and was in desperate need of time away to recuperate.

“I think it’s important for people like myself who have a public voice to admit that I am exhausted mentally from my range of commitments across TV, radio and live shows, in an attempt to continue to remove some of the roadblocks and stigma around mental health,” he continued.

“I need to set aside some time to get my work/life balance back into something that feels better than it has over the last couple of years. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, your support has been welcome and enriching.”

Sheargold’s statement followed reports that he was kicked out of the AFL grand final in late September due to poor behaviour – which was denied by his employer, Southern Cross Austereo.

The company told news.com.au at the time that Sheargold had their support.

“We will continue to support Marty’s request for personal leave to spend time with his family and we look forward to having him back on air soon,” the SCA spokesperson said.