Boyzone’s Keith Duffy has spoken of the tragic death of Liam Payne from fellow boyband One Direction, which he described as an “eye-opener” for the music industry. He spoke at the world premiere of the new docu-series “Boyzone: No Matter What“. He reflected on the pressures faced by boybands and the importance of mental health support for artists in the music industry. Duffy has been in the same position since the 1990s and thinks that all artists should have mental health support available to them to help deal with the pressures of fame.
Liam Payne died tragically, a victim of “polytrauma,” at the age of 31 when he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. With a string of factors and revelations about Liam’s state of mind in recent times and over the years, this tragic death has flung open the discussion on mental health challenges that musicians face, and what support systems there are. This is reminiscent of other tragic cases in the music industry, including the constant touring and substance abuse that finally claimed the life of Avicii, along with the treatment of K-Pop artists as products rather than people. The rigorous training, strict management, and intense public scrutiny on artists can take a significant toll on their mental health, leading to burnout and, in some cases, tragic outcomes.
Duffy, who had his own experiences in Boyzone, said boybands are too often treated as marketable commodities with a limited shelf life. He said this with an addition, while promoting an artist’s brand and music was great, their mental well-being shouldn’t fall behind. There is still a huge gap in the accessibility and availability of mental health help for artists, despite the numerous well-meaning initiatives. There have however been some amazing discussions on mental health in the music business with Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender, and Chappell Roan among those who have been public about taking breaks and received backing from their teams. It’s great to see more artists taking steps to prioritise their mental health.
“Somebody needs to take care of their mental state. Somebody needs to take care and make sure that they’re OK. They need to be kind.”
Keith Duffy
The loss of such a talented artist, as Keith Duffy points out, is how urgently mental health resources and support systems are in dire need-one that fits into the specific needs of the music industry.
The music industry is cut-throat at all levels and in every job description from artists, managers, producers, promoters, magazines etc the list goes on. It is very stressful due to the fast paced, competitive nature of the environment. Fame in the music industry can have profound effects on a person’s mental health. Pressures of success, pressures of image, and pressures of continuous output will all take a heavy toll on one’s mental condition. The transient, erratic nature often of a career in music is put along with a high-pressure environment, as is with most in entertainment and media jobs, thus, most have difficulty receiving constant mental care. Mental health stigmas may also make it difficult for people to ask for help. Bullying is another issue that severely needs to be addressed in relation to mental health, both among women and men in the industry. It can add another layer of stress and anxiety for many individuals. The competitive atmosphere can sometimes lead to toxic behaviours, where people feel the need to undermine, belittle, and unfairly criticise others in an attempt to get ahead. This can create a hostile work environment, further exacerbating new or existing mental health issues.
“We must continue breaking down the shame of suffering with a mental health illness and disorders and provide constant, accessible support so that people may seek help in a healthier and supportive environment to avoid further tragedies.”
Rachel Brown
The high prevalence of mental health struggles in creative industries cannot be denied. Creative professionals are usually under immense pressure to be original and produce high-quality work continuously. The industries are highly competitive, and success may not be predicted; hence, financial and job insecurities may arise, adding to the stress. Most of the creative work is out of the conventional box of 9 to 5. This could be in the very long hours, unusual working patterns, or doing weekend and holiday work which will adversely impact personal life leading to burnouts and adverse effects on mental health. Artists or performers can also face media and public scrutiny continuously. This may result in anxiety, depression, and fear of failure or rejection.
In collaborative fields, there’s often a significant amount of solo work, which can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and even depression. Creative work is typically very personal, with professionals pouring their emotions and experiences into their projects. When their work is met with criticism or rejection, it can feel deeply personal, impacting their self-confidence and mental well-being. Unfortunately, this isn’t usually intentional, as everyone has different tastes and preferences, opinion and criticism is inevitable.
Having dedicated my current studies to psychology, I deeply understand the critical importance of mental health in every aspect of life. The music industry, with its unique pressures and relentless demands, is no exception and if anything working in what can be a somewhat competitive and hostile environment means that people probably need more help. While there is a move to make mental health support accessible within the British music industry, much is yet to be done. It is very easy to tell people to seek help, but because of the stigma set upon mental health, it is hard for any person to approach a professional. We need to work toward acceptance in which talking about one’s mental health should not be a taboo issue.
“We are all responsible to build such workplaces, communities, and environment that would support a person even when he struggles. Ensuring that artists and industry professionals have access to mental health support is not just beneficial, it’s essential. It can make a profound difference in their lives and careers, helping them navigate the challenges and thrive in their creative pursuits.”
Rachel Brown
The industry, which includes anyone working in it, must continue to prioritise the mental well-being of its friends, artists and fellow employees, breaking down stigma and providing accessible, consistent support. Only then can we hope to prevent further tragedies and create a healthier, more supportive environment for the music industry.
HELPLINES AND INFO
Time To Talk Day
The day when people are urged to make space for open discussions on mental health and carve a dent into the stigma that often comes with it. Time to Talk Day is an annual awareness day on 6 February 2025 to start a conversation about mental health. Find out how to get involved, download resources and tips for talking, and join the campaign run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. It’s a reminder that talking about mental health should be as normal as discussing physical health. This day may be a fine opportunity to offer one another support, share experiences, and create a place more embracing and understanding to every individual. Find out more here: Time to Talk Day – Mind – Mind
MUSIC MINDS MATTER
Organisations like Music Minds Matter, a service provided by Help Musicians, also offer free 24/7 mental health support for those working in the UK music industry, see below. The charity has seen a 200% increase in those seeking support over the past two years, highlighting the growing need for mental health resources.
Mental Health Helplines:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free from any phone), available 24/7.
Mind Support Line: Call 0300 123 3393 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
SANEline: Call 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Call 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).
Shout: Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for 24/7 crisis support.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK: Call 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week) for those under 35.
NHS 111: Call 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support.
Music Minds Matter: Call 0808 802 8008 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
