Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Why Noah Kahan, Billy Strings & More Support Backline’s Mission: ‘There’s Life On The Other Side Of These Harder Moments’
Backline, a US non-profit supporting musicians’ and music-industry workers’ mental health, has gained momentum after Chappell Roan donated $25,000 following her 2025 Grammy speech calling for artists to receive healthcare support. Founder Hilary Gleason says the campaign helped position mental health as a foundation for accessing wider healthcare and employment rights, while encouraging companies and prominent artists to contribute.
Gleason co-founded Backline in 2019 after suicides within the bluegrass and jam-music community highlighted the pressures facing touring musicians. Early support came from promoter Peter Shapiro, who gave $10,000, and artist Billy Strings, whose experience of playing more than 100 shows a year informed his backing for the organisation. AEG matched Roan’s donation, while Noah Kahan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX also participated in the “WE GOT YOU!” fundraising effort.
In short
- Backline’s mental-health work received major backing after Chappell Roan’s donation.
- The charity was founded after suicides affected the bluegrass and jam community.
- Artists and AEG matched support through the “WE GOT YOU!” campaign.
Explained simply
Backline is a charity based in the United States that provides mental health support to musicians and industry workers. Founder Hilary Gleason established it in 2019 after suicides within the bluegrass and jam-music communities revealed the severe pressures facing touring musicians.
Musicians who tour extensively often experience isolation, unpredictable schedules and limited access to healthcare, creating serious mental health challenges. The organisation's mission involves connecting musicians with mental health support and advocating for broader healthcare and employment rights in the industry.
The cause has attracted backing from prominent artists and industry figures who understand these challenges firsthand. Their support reflects growing recognition that mental health support is essential to wellbeing and sustainable careers in the industry.