This week’s BACK LOUNGE is a check in. How are we? Here’s hoping the Year of the Fire Horse – if you’re into that kinda thing – or the prophecy of your old pal backline tech with dubious teeth down the pub/local gig who says it how it is, even when it isn’t – that a shift we all need is coming and this year will be a little easier and a little busier across the board. Enough of the woowoo! If you work in music and events, and you sometimes struggle to keep the faith, and want to connect with a global community who do the same, email info@backlounge.org for the zoom link discussion. We’re here to talk about the passion we have, and the issues we all face working in an uncertain industry. No pressure to speak, welcome to listen. 🗓 Wednesday 18th Feb, 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.

Unsettled by world events? It keeps on coming. If you’re currently home from work, it can be hard to listen and not feel affected by the news, and if you’re on the road, when the news gets to you it can be hard to take it in and find time to process. This BACK LOUNGE will be a space for anyone feeling overwhelmed and powerless. This is not a call to vent about politics, it’s about finding support from each other. For the zoom link for this session, email info@thebacklounge.org no later than 30 mins before the meeting is scheduled to start 🗓 Wednesday 11th Feb, 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST. We will not be recording this call.

Uncertain start to the year? This Wednesday’s session on The BACK LOUNGE is for the anxious and the apprehensive. Has January left you feeling a little deflated and it’s an effort to stay upbeat (whilst waiting for the phone to bring news of that role that’s going to make this the best year ever) Our call is a safe space to share some of the issues this way of life can bring up for us. Who said freelancing in music/events is easy? Like… no one… ever. Wherever your career is at and however advanced your years, we all get this. To join us email info@thebacklounge.org any time from now until 30 minutes before the call starts.
🗓 Wednesday 28th Jan, 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE we’re diving into sobriety in all its many shades, from sober curious to long-term recovery. Expect an open, honest space to ask anything you’ve ever wanted to ask, from trying out sobriety, 12-step, where to seek help, and how to support recovery. We’ll be joined by Joanne Croxford – Tour Assistant & Artist Tour Support, David Sherman – Addictions Professional, Ronnie Traynor – Tour Manager & Trainee Therapist, Hannah Eakins – CEO Production Futures, Matthew Kushner – Immigration Attorney, Nico Golfar – Tour Manager, Lynne Maltman – Marketing Specialist AND the illustrious Roadies in Recovery, who’ll be sharing real stories from life on (and off) the road. No judgement, no shame – just camaraderie, insight, and inspiration, wherever you are on your journey. To join us, email info@thebacklounge.org anytime from now ‘til up to 30 mins before the call starts. 🗓 Wednesday 21st Jan 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.
PS The Roadies in Recovery sober table (No. 126) at the TPi Awards is back for a 3rd year. We’re raising funds for a second sober table to keep challenging stigma in an industry that still faces high levels of addiction. To support the mission click here www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/sponsor-a-seat-at-the-sober-table-tpi-awards26

For our first BACK LOUNGE zoom of 2026, we’re wishing everyone a smooth, gentle ease into a lighter, positive year ahead. This meet is less new year, new you resolutions that are forgotten by week 2, and more shared intentions for kindness, community and resource sharing together, for anyone working across live music and events, at whatever stage your career might be. Our meets are to support each other and connect with like-minded souls across what can sometimes feel like a tough and isolating place to work. To get the Zoom link and join, email info@thebacklounge.org anytime from now up to 30 minutes before we start.
🗓 Wednesday 7th January, 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST. Come along, bring your lovely self, and let’s look ahead to 2026 together.

It’s nearly that time of year 💫🎄so this week on The BACK LOUNGE, we’ve got a very special guest swinging by on their whirlwind world tour 👀 So … have you been naughty or nice? And what’s on your wish list for Santa this year? To join us, get the Zoom link from info@thebacklounge.org, bring your fabulous self, a little bit of tinsel, and your beverage of choice. Let’s make merry for our last session before the holidays ✨ Wednesday 17th December 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST 🧑‍🎄⛄️

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE, no theme, me hosting, come as you are, and bring whatever topic is pressing, the good, the bad and the ‘I should never have agreed this.’ We’re a community for anyone working across live music and events, whatever your role and level of experience. To get the zoom link and join the conversation (or listen, no pressure) email info@thebacklounge.org (any time from now up to 30 minutes before the call begins). Wednesday 26th November 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE we welcome monitor engineer and yoga therapist Becky Pell as our esteemed guest. As we slide into the upcoming holiday season, now is a good time to pay a little attention to ourselves and be in the moment to enjoy the ride, with a focus on finding balance in what can be ‘the crazy life’. As Becky launches Access All Areas, a new personal wellness mentoring program, she will be sharing her wisdom on staying well in all aspects, whatever your role across touring and events, If you can, have a cosy place and a blanket to hand as we will have a full body relaxation and guided visualisation to leave us feeling grounded, open, and just a little better placed to meet the season ahead. Wednesday 19th November 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST. To get the Zoom link, email info@thebacklounge.org (any time from now up to 30 minutes before the call begins).

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE, we’re exploring the often-overlooked impact of perimenopause and menopause, not just on the body, but on confidence and everyday decision-making. Our guest, Arva Valika Director of Clinical Operations, CiC Wellbeing, will be leading a conversation on how hormonal and psychological changes can influence how women think, feel, and act, around work, finances and relationships. From brain fog and fatigue to shifts in self-belief, many women make choices during this time, without realising the long-term impact on their wellbeing and financial future. Whether this is you or someone close to you, everyone’s welcome to join the conversation. Men too, don’t be scared! Wednesday 12th November 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST. To get the Zoom link, email info@thebacklounge.org (any time from now up to 30 minutes before the call begins).

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE, we’re delighted to welcome back Tristan Hunt, ADHD coach for the music industry. Research highlights a notably higher prevalence of neurodiversity within music, both onstage and behind it, and our focus will be better communication. Most of what we do involves close work with other people, and whether you are neurodiverse – diagnosed or undiagnosed – or you have colleagues who are, this is about bringing understanding for better collaboration and teamwork. Come along, join in, or just listen. Email info@thebacklounge.org to get the zoom link to join our call, any time from now ‘til 30mins before the call begins. Wednesday 5th November 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE, we’re revisiting a popular session from the summer – GETTING LET GO or, as many know it, NOT GETTING ASKED BACK. Whether it still rattles your confidence, or you’ve been the one who had to make that tough call, this session we’ll talk about what it feels like from both sides, old friends, tricky work dynamics, or tough choices about fit and attitude. How can we handle it with kindness, honesty and a bit of grace? Lara Cullen @_thepeopleperson, author and exec coach with lived experience of the live music industry, joins us again for this open, judgement free discussion. It’s a safe space, totally off the record, and let’s face it…it’s happened to the best of us. Come along, join in, or just listen. Email info@thebacklounge.org to get the zoom link to join our call, any time from now ‘til 30mins before the call begins. Wednesday 15th October 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

This week on The BACK LOUNGE it’s all about being in-between. When you come off a job and life feels like it’s on pause until the next role comes in. How can you stay focused, especially if the gap becomes longer than you’d planned. How can we make this time useful and meaningful so we’re ready for whatever comes next? This week I’m co-hosting with beloved friend, activist and constant source of inspiration Joanne Croxford. If you’re curious and was to see what this community is about, email info@thebacklounge.org to get the zoom link to join our call, any time from now ‘til 30mins before the call begins. Wednesday 8th October 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT