The Dave Matthews Band, in a message to their fans, announced they will take a road break in 2011.

The band announced on May 14, as they felt this summer’s excitement building, that after 20 consecutive years of touring that they would be taking the year 2011 off. We feel very lucky that our tours have been part of many people’s lives. We want to be able to give as much notice ahead of time as we possibly could. We are excited to make our tour this summer one of our best yet, and are looking forward in 2012 to getting back out on the road.

The news comes just two weeks prior to the band launching its 2010 trek on May 28. Maybe the announcement was made to help spark sales and give fans an opportunity to see the band before they go into hibernation.

The band’s announcement didn’t seem to indicate that it would be an indefinite break.

The Dave Matthews Band will be headlining the summer festivals of Mile High Music Fest, HullabaLOU and Bonnaroo in addition to the band’s regular touring.