Mental Health and Music Touring: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road
Aubrey Wright
If you’re looking to jump into the world of music touring and live events, let me tell you this: it’s one of the most exciting, high-energy industries out there. You’ll have experiences that most people only dream of. But, and this is critical—you need to be aware of the toll it can take on your mental and emotional health.
I want you to go into this world with your eyes wide open, knowing both the highs and the hidden challenges. Statistics show that nearly 71% of musicians struggle with anxiety, and 68% report battling depression while on tour. Think about that. Almost three-quarters of the people you’re going to work with—artists, crew members, even yourself—are carrying a massive weight with them, day in and day out. And it’s not just the artists. 80% of crew members face high levels of stress and anxiety. The crew is working behind the scenes to make magic happen, often pulling 18-hour days without much rest, feeling the pressure just as intensely as the artists.
I’m not telling you this to scare you off. I’m telling you this because if you’re going to succeed in this business—and succeed long-term—you need to know how to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically. You need to understand the toll, recognize the signs of burnout, and develop strategies to stay healthy while you’re chasing your dreams.
The Truth Behind the Curtain: What Touring Really Feels Like
Touring isn’t just about the adrenaline rush of the show. It’s about life on the road—being away from your family and friends, dealing with constant travel, and waking up in a new city every day. You think you’ll get used to it, but after weeks or months, it starts to wear you down. Even when you’re in the middle of all the excitement, there’s a cost.
Demi Lovato said it best: “It’s a really lonely life on tour. When you’re in one place for a while, you can create a sense of home. On tour, you never get that.” Imagine being surrounded by thousands of screaming fans one minute and then sitting alone in a hotel room the next. That emotional rollercoaster is something you need to prepare for.
For the crew, it’s even more intense. You’re up before the artists, handling load-ins, managing setups, troubleshooting, then packing everything up at the end of the night. You’re the backbone of every show, but there’s little time to breathe. Dave Lawrence, a roadie with years of experience, said: “Touring can be brutal. You’re away from your family for months, sleeping in a bunk or on a bus, and you don’t get a chance to breathe or process anything emotionally.”
If you’re not careful, this lifestyle can lead to burnout—and fast. That’s why some of the biggest artists, like Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, have taken breaks, openly discussing how the road can take a toll on their mental health. Bieber even said, “I’ve toured my whole teenage life, and early 20s. I realized, and as you guys probably saw, I was unhappy last tour, and I don’t deserve that, and you don’t deserve that.” Even at the top of their game, they recognized the need to step back, re-energize, and focus on their mental well-being.
How This Affects Family and Friends: The Ripple Effect
It’s not just the artists and crew who feel it—your family and friends do, too. When you’re on the road for months at a time, it puts strain on those relationships. Missing milestones, important events, and just the daily connection with your loved ones is tough, not just for you, but for them.
According to research from the American Psychological Association, long-term absences from home lead to higher rates of loneliness and depression, both for the people on the road and the ones waiting for them to come back. The ripple effects are real. Kids miss their parents. Spouses carry the weight of home life. Friends grow distant. And it all adds up to a sense of isolation, even when you’re doing what you love.
Building Resilience: How to Stay Strong on the Road
So, how do you thrive in this world without burning out? You build resilience. You take care of your mind, body, and relationships.
First, recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. Organizations like Backline and Tour Support are providing tools for mental well-being on the road, from counseling services to wellness programs. Don’t be afraid to use them. The idea that mental health should be ignored because you “just have to push through” is outdated and dangerous. Instead, develop practices that keep you grounded: meditation, exercise, journaling, or even simple things like calling home regularly or taking time to disconnect.
Second, set boundaries where you can. Make time for rest. Know when to say “no” to protect your energy. Your tour might require a lot, but it doesn’t have to drain everything you’ve got. Build a routine that supports you—whether it’s carving out time to sleep, making sure you’re eating well, or spending moments alone to recharge. You need to make self-care a priority.
Finally, stay connected. Build relationships with the people on tour, but also keep strong ties with those at home. Relationships are your safety net when the pressure feels like too much. Your family and friends are your biggest supporters—they’ll help you come back stronger every time you feel like you’re losing balance.
The Road Ahead
If you’re ready to jump into the world of music touring, know this: it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. But you need to be prepared for the challenges, too. The mental, emotional, and physical strain is real, but it doesn’t have to break you. In fact, it can make you stronger if you approach it the right way.
Like anything worth doing, it’s going to take effort. But if you stay committed to your mental health, build a strong support system, and learn how to manage the demands, you can not only survive the road—you can thrive on it. As Shawn Mendes said, “Sometimes, you need to take care of yourself. The music will wait.”
Go after your dreams, but don’t lose yourself in the process. You’ve got this.
Key Statistics:
71% of musicians report anxiety.
68% report depression.
80% of crew members experience high stress.
Crew members often work 18-hour days leading to burnout.
Thank you to Aubrey Wright
A Wright World
