Band receiving financial support for therapy sessions during Olivia Rodrigo's tour - Band members on Olivia Rodrigo's tour receiving therapy compensation from the singer.
In a groundbreaking move, US pop star Olivia Rodrigo has taken a holistic approach to mental health during her recent "Guts World Tour." The tour, which spanned 102 shows across Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America from early 2024 to mid-2025, saw Rodrigo funding free and accessible professional therapy for her band and crew[1][2][3].
This initiative, overseen by Rodrigo and her tour manager, Marty Hom, stands out as exceptionally generous and rare in the demanding live music industry[1]. The therapy was available both on the road and during tour breaks, allowing crew members and musicians to receive ongoing mental health support beyond just the tour dates[2][3].
One of the beneficiaries of this initiative is Daisy Spencer, Rodrigo's guitarist, who described it as “one of the coolest things that has ever happened on tour”[1][2][3]. Spencer used the free therapy to process some experiences from her own childhood[4].
Rodrigo's emphasis on mental health is not surprising, given her personal experiences and her father's profession. Chris Rodrigo, Olivia's father, is a family therapist[5]. Rodrigo has previously spoken publicly about the importance of therapy in her own life[6].
The free therapy offered by Rodrigo has prompted Daisy Spencer to resume her own therapy sessions after a break[7]. This move addresses well-known mental health challenges within the music industry, such as the stress of late nights, constant travel, isolation, jet lag, and the emotional rollercoaster of performing, which render musicians and crew more prone to depression and anxiety than the general population[1].
By making therapy free and easily accessible, Rodrigo combats common barriers like cost and availability, which often prevent individuals in the music business from seeking help[1][2]. This comprehensive mental health care during touring is still uncommon but is increasingly recognized as essential.
Examples in the industry include some artists and bands offering mental health days and wellness resources on tours, mental health charities and organizations calling for better support systems for touring musicians, and a few other high-profile musicians making public commitments to mental health initiatives, though few have offered fully funded therapy for their entire touring teams as Rodrigo has done[1].
Rodrigo's example may inspire more artists to prioritize the well-being of their crews in future tours. In summary, Olivia Rodrigo's provision of free therapy for her tour band and crew is an unprecedented, holistic approach to addressing the mental health challenges inherent in touring, setting a new standard in the music industry for supporting the welfare of all team members[1][2][3].
Sources: [1] https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9775010/olivia-rodrigo-free-therapy-crew-mental-health-tour [2] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/olivia-rodrigo-free-therapy-crew-b2122367.html [3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/03/10/olivia-rodrigo-offering-free-therapy-crew-mental-health-support/69257037007/ [4] https://www.stageleftpodcast.com/episodes/olivia-rodrigo-guitarist-daisy-spencer-talks-mental-health-therapy-and-more [5] https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9774999/olivia-rodrigo-father-chris-rodrigo-family-therapist [6] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2022/10/14/olivia-rodrigo-opens-up-about-importance-therapy-mental-health/66767510007/ [7] https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9775010/olivia-rodrigo-free-therapy-crew-mental-health-tour#:~:text=The%20facts%20about%20Olivia%20Rodrigo,have%20already%20been%20mentioned.
In the spirit of her personal dedication to mental health, while encouraging a holistic lifestyle, US pop star Olivia Rodrigo could say, "I'm not gonna be able to get you to talk to me about quantum physics or the latest fashion trends, but I'm here for you if you ever want to discuss science-backed strategies for maintaining emotional well-being or addressing mental health challenges in the rigorous environment of a world tour."
Following Rodrigo's trailblazing example, future musical artists might prioritize health-and-wellness initiatives, crafting tour experiences that promote lifestyle changes aimed at improving overall mental health and well-being.
