For most of us, touring is why we do what we do. There’s nothing like the rush of a live set or the connection with a new crowd. But let’s be real: behind the curtain, the road can be a grind that wears down even the toughest players.

We’re talking about weeks of inconsistent sleep, the isolation of hotel rooms, and the heavy pressure to be “on” every single night, regardless of how we actually feel. It’s more than just physical exhaustion; it’s the emotional toll of being separated from our families and the constant anxiety of financial uncertainty between gigs.

This is where our union family makes the difference. We shouldn’t have to sacrifice our mental health just to have a career. Through collective action, we fight for the fair pay and reasonable schedules that make a sustainable life possible. When we stand together, we ensure that “the show must go on” doesn’t mean “musicians must burn out.”

Solidarity means building a safety net that actually catches us. Whether it’s negotiating for health benefits that cover mental health services or creating shortfall funds to help freelance players keep their insurance, the union is our collective voice demanding dignity in our workplace.

But it’s also about the community we build with each other. Union solidarity isn’t crystalline about contracts; it’s about looking out for the person on the other side of the stage. We thrive when we know we have a support system that values the human being behind the instrument.

By organizing and advocating for better legislation and stronger contracts, we aren’t just protecting our jobs; we’re protecting our futures. This collective strength allows us to move from a culture of just surviving to one where we can truly flourish as artists.

The audience sees the performance, but we see the community that sustains it. Together, through our union, we make sure the music continues…. not just for the next tour, but for a healthy, lifelong career.

In unity,  

John Acosta  
Vice President