Touring can take musicians to isolating, anxious extremes. Access to therapy on the road is a vital support
I know from our early days how high-pressure road life can be. While big tours often hire therapists, grassroots acts can’t afford it. I’m pleased to back a new scheme that aims to change that When Radiohead started touring, it was hugely exciting, but we got signed when we had been going for five or six years and had only really played in Oxford. Suddenly you’re entering a new world: the first…
Touring can subject musicians to isolating and anxious conditions. Access to therapy while traveling is crucial for their well-being. Early in their careers, bands often lack the financial means to hire therapists. Radiohead's experience illustrates this issue. The band felt overwhelmed during their first big tour, especially when playing in the United States.
The sudden change in environment and routine led to feelings of being an impostor. Anxiety manifested in various ways, such as alcohol and drug abuse, or through a decline in performance. Drummer Thom Yorke experienced a dramatic loss of control during a particularly challenging show. The new initiative aims to provide essential mental health support for musicians on the road, addressing this pressing concern.
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