Former Anthrax and current Armored Saint frontman John Bush recently opened up about mental health challenges and self-care strategies for musicians on the road. He shared his insights in an interview with Metal Nation.
Bush addressed the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being while touring. He responded to a question about self-care practices that help protect mental health during the demanding lifestyle of a touring musician.
“Well, on the road, I think the key is just sleep, of course. Which I struggle with,” Bush said. “I don’t want to get too dependent on like valium. Sometimes it’s just helpful. Try to always find ways to just get rest. As a singer in particular, as if you don’t sleep, man, it’s going to be a struggle.”
The veteran vocalist also discussed the anxiety he experiences before tours. He emphasized the importance of finding personal space while traveling.
“I think that’s really, you know, just getting as much rest as possible because that will help your brain and help your mental health viewpoint because being gone from home is it I get a lot of anxiety actually, especially pre-tour,” he continued. “It’s like once I’m out there, then I’m good, but like the buildup to a tour, it creates a lot of anxiety for me. I don’t know why particular, but it’s just it does.”
Bush emphasized the challenge of maintaining solitude while surrounded by bandmates and crew members during tours.
“So it’s just trying to find that calm place. I should probably meditate, but I don’t,” he said. “Anything that kind of helps kind of do that. I think that’s the key thing is also when you’re on the road with, you know, surrounded by countless other people, you know, you got to find your space, your solitude. It’s really important. It’s hard to do that on a bus with 10 other guys, but you got to you find your bunk, you know, get your bunk and that’ll be your solitude place.”
The musician concluded by highlighting the importance of humility in both music and life.
“And you know, for me, it’s all about staying humble, you know, really. I think that’s kind of missing in society right now. People being humble,” Bush said. “I think it’s a really cool attribute. Instead of going and now bragging all the time, it’s like, man, just let people discover you, you know?”
Bush’s candid discussion about mental health challenges reflects a growing awareness within the music industry about the psychological toll of touring and performing. His honest approach to discussing anxiety and sleep struggles provides valuable insight for both fellow musicians and fans who may face similar challenges.
Mental health awareness in the music industry has become increasingly important as artists speak more openly about their struggles. The demanding nature of touring creates unique challenges for musicians’ psychological well-being. It involves irregular schedules, constant travel, and pressure to perform. Bush’s emphasis on sleep as a fundamental component of mental health aligns with medical research showing the critical connection between rest and emotional stability.
The veteran musician’s approach to finding solitude while surrounded by others highlights a common challenge faced by touring artists. The lack of privacy and personal space during extended tours can exacerbate stress and anxiety. This makes it essential for performers to develop coping strategies. Bush’s practical advice about claiming personal space offers a realistic solution for musicians dealing with similar situations. This applies even in cramped tour bus conditions.
His advocacy for humility as a mental health practice also reflects broader discussions about ego management and authentic self-expression in the entertainment industry. This perspective suggests that maintaining genuine connections with others can contribute to better psychological health for performers. Avoiding the pitfalls of excessive self-promotion also helps.
Bush’s willingness to discuss his pre-tour anxiety openly contributes to reducing stigma around mental health issues in the heavy metal community. Vulnerability has traditionally been discouraged in this space. His honest admission about struggling with sleep and considering medication options provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges many touring musicians face behind the scenes.
