A staggering 56% of music industry professionals have some type of substance abuse, with the industry now beginning to take the lead in supporting those with addiction Companies like Stand Together Strong are joining forces with 1 Million Strong to provide services to those struggling.
Colette Weintraub is the head of Stand Together Music, one of the partners in the 1 Million Strong initiative, seeking to support one million people in addiction recovery through the strength of community. Kevin Lyman is best known as the creator of the beloved Vans Warped Tour, shaping youth culture for over forty years with his award-winning expertise in the music industry and other ventures.
Last month was Dry January, where participants stay sober throughout the entire month. An average of 35% of Americans participated in 2022, an increase from 21% in 2019. When the month is over, people tend to turn to alcohol to celebrate, but the problem of addiction runs deeper. Each year over 100,000 people are dying to alcohol-related causes. The music industry is among the hardest hit due to being known for things like sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Many artists have been in the news after dying from their addictions, or losing their will to live while battling it.
In an open letter to the music industry, 1 Million Strong wrote “We’re taking action to transform the way people think about addiction by supporting new ways for sober fans to enjoy shows, ensuring touring musicians and crews have access to resources on the road, and engaging in conversations about sobriety that are free from shame and stigma and full of possibilities.” The letter has been signed by Aloe Blacc, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, and more. If you would like to sign the letter, visit here.
Things like Warped Tour helped provide mental health and sobriety support on the road throughout, with sober coaches for artists and crew in recovery, and provided services to fans. Stand Together Music/1 Million Strong has been working hard over the past year to provide sober-supportive spaces at concerts and music festivals, like at Bourbon & Beyond to Park City Song Summit and The Chainsmokers show at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley.
This isn’t about turning the industry sober, but more about giving those struggling a better path to recovery and bring their best selves to music, allowing fans and everyone else to benefit from their art.
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