The Pollstar Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on April 16, 2025, honored Backline as the Tour Services Company of the Year, recognizing the nonprofit organization’s commitment to making mental health and wellness services accessible to those working behind the scenes in the live entertainment business.

“We are truly humbled to receive this recognition from Pollstar, and it reflects the growing awareness around the importance of mental health in the music industry,”

said Hilary Gleason, Executive Director of Backline. “At Backline, our mission has always been to support the mental health and well-being of the music industry and this award affirms that this work matters. We share this with every artist, crew member, and industry professional that believes in creating a healthier, more sustainable music community.”

Backline’s commitment to providing mental health and wellness services has been recognized with this prestigious award, which is the first time a nonprofit organization has won the Tour Services Company of the Year category. The organization has created over 2,000 custom care plans for industry individuals spanning thousands of bands, musical genres, festivals, and venues. These care plans are tailored to the unique lifestyle of touring professionals, addressing the specific mental health and wellness needs of the music industry.

1. Backline’s Tour Support Program offers pre-tour workshops, wellness stops on tour, grants for therapy, wellness kits, and 24/7 concierge support from the Backline team.
2. The organization has partnered with Sweet Relief Musician’s Fund to establish the Music’s Mental Health Fund, which provides financial assistance to support the mental health and well-being of the music industry community.
3. Backline has also launched the We Got You! campaign with support from Chappell Roan, Noah Kahan, and Charli XCX, a fund to provide resources for artists’ mental health in an effort to create a safer, more sustainable music industry.

“Backline is honored to receive this recognition from Pollstar as it reflects the growing awareness around the importance of mental health in the music industry,” said Hilary Gleason. We share this with every artist, crew member, and industry professional that believes in creating a healthier, more sustainable music community.”
The Tour Services Company of the Year award is a testament to Backline’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more sustainable touring culture. The organization continues to innovate and develop new programs and services to support the mental health and well-being of touring professionals.

Backline has created over 2,000 custom care plans for industry individuals, spanning thousands of bands, musical genres, festivals, and venues. The ripple effect of this impact extends far beyond the individuals served, creating a chain reaction that strengthens the well-being of the industry as a whole.

• Supports touring teams, families, and productions by providing resources and support for mental health and wellness.
• Helps entire teams and productions run more smoothly, creating a healthier and more sustainable touring culture.

With its innovative programs and services, Backline is leading the way in creating a healthier, more sustainable music industry. By providing mental health and wellness resources to those working behind the scenes, Backline is helping to create a more positive and supportive community for all.