Tour crew members from Olivia Rodrigo's 'GUTS' tour receive therapy expenses covered by the singer.
In a groundbreaking move for the music industry, Filipino American artist Olivia Rodrigo provided free therapy sessions to her entire crew during her "GUTS" World Tour, a tour that wrapped earlier this month. This proactive approach to addressing mental health concerns in the notoriously demanding world of touring has been lauded as a significant step towards normalizing and valuing therapy in the music world.
Rodrigo's commitment to mental health care is rooted in her own journey, having been open about her therapy since the age of 16. With a father who is a family therapist, she has first-hand experience of the positive impact therapy can have. This personal connection has driven her to use her platform to emphasize the importance of mental health care for herself and her team.
The therapy sessions, arranged by Rodrigo and her tour manager, Marty Hom, were accessible not only during the tour but also during breaks between tour legs, offering a continuous mental health resource. Rhythm guitarist Daisy Spencer described this initiative as life-changing, saying it rekindled her commitment to therapy and personal well-being. Spencer appreciated having free access to incredible therapists and often used the service weekly or biweekly.
The intense demands of touring, including long hours, time away from home, and relentless travel, can take a significant toll on mental health. By offering free therapy, Rodrigo has provided her team with ongoing, accessible professional help, setting a precedent that could potentially influence other artists to prioritise the well-being of their crew members.
During her Glastonbury Festival performance on June 29, 2025, Rodrigo shared the stage with The Cure's Robert Smith, delivering a show-stopping headlining performance. Her powerful act of care towards the crew during the "GUTS" World Tour, as described by Spencer, was one of the most thoughtful and impactful experiences she's ever had while touring. The financial relief provided by the free therapy was also acknowledged by Spencer, as mental health care can be expensive.
The "GUTS" World Tour's unique approach to mental health care is a significant example of an artist prioritising the emotional and psychological wellness of their team. Rodrigo's actions could potentially change the narrative about the toll that touring can take on artists and crew members, fostering a culture of empathy, mental health awareness, and genuine care for others in the music industry.
Science and health-and-wellness became intertwined through Olivia Rodrigo's therapy-focused initiatives during her "GUTS" World Tour. Mental health therapies and treatments were accessible to her entire crew, setting a precedent for valuing mental health within the music industry.
