We all know about the physical and mental health challenges that can arise on the road and at gigs big and small. Events themselves can be stressful and intense at the same time of the exhilaration of delivering the show. Travel, fatigue, long days and late nights can all add up. 

“In 2019 my lowest point came at the same time as some of my greatest highs. I was touring overseas, in a steady relationship and getting great opportunities in various roles. But I was also partying hard, rather than getting a decent night’s sleep. I was in the middle of a festival show with the artist on stage when I got the call that my mentor, colleague, and close friend Greg Weaver died of a heart attack aged 56. I had spent more time with Greg in the 10 years before than I had with my partner, family or any non touring friends.”

Whilst this was a wakeup call for my own physical health and lifestyle, what I didn’t realise would be so overwhelming was the grief that came with the loss. I still remember the day I pulled off the freeway in tears and called the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline. It wasn’t just that loss, it was the guilt of leading a fairly self absorbed existence whilst one of the hardest working, family orientated (also non-drinker/non smoker) people I knew had gone after doing nothing wrong. I was worn out on every level and the delusion that I could carry on regardless of consequences had been smashed in the worst way possible.  

“I remain grateful that the helpline was able to provide support and also follow up chats as required. Not only that, but they know the business, which helps in understanding the circumstances that can lead to mental health challenges and also effective coping measures that make sense in the everyday rollercoaster of rock n roll.“

Fast forward a few years, and the challenges of touring are still here but I’m not working against myself so much. In fact, what I like to do is give back to the industry that has given me so much. This is why I accepted the invitation to join the CrewCare board and try to spread the word of self-care and mental health advocacy. 

CrewCare is a collection of volunteers currently working in production and other roles in live music and events that have decades of experience. We have been thinking about how to share that experience at the same time as empowering upcoming crew members to change the culture and reduce the stigma around discussion of wellbeing and mental health.

A way that we have started implementing this culture into crew work life is the presence of Welfare Officers on site. 

Recently we have been able to deliver a pilot program of Welfare Officers across three sites on the Niall Horan tour. I was in Melbourne and the response was fantastic. Some of the on ground activity included:

• Roaming around crew-and-tech-production areas
• Checking-in with workers
• Offering wellbeing advice and providing resources
• Brief one-to-one chats and walk-and-talk conversations as needed.

Our Welfare Officers are trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and can provide a circuit breaker for those struggling whilst on the road. A private and confidential chat that can include suggesting coping mechanisms in the present or directing to further resources such as the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline helpline. 

We believe that Welfare Officers can play a role making events safe spaces for all. It’s everyone’s responsibility to oppose and stamp out all forms discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and worse in the music industry. Welfare Offices are trained in de-escalation of conflict and have the resources at hand for reporting and support for those affected. 

The Welfare Office role is not just about responding to problems but acknowledging the value and importance of all crew, touring and local as well as the many different types of workers that contribute to music and events. We see you and we hear you, and we want to help.

Check out our mental health resources here for more support and advice.