Local musician Andy Brook is set to take on a daring wing walk in support of mental health in the music industry. Brook, who has worked with renowned bands such as Status Quo and Bonnie Tyler, will be strapped to the wings of a vintage biplane on Wednesday 20th August at RFC Rendcomb. The event aims to raise funds for Tonic Music for Mental Health, a charity dedicated to providing free mental health support to those in the music industry.
With a career spanning decades, Brook has a wealth of experience in the music industry and has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the business. From Status Quo and Bonnie Tyler to Travis, ABC, and Stewart Copeland, Brook has seen first-hand the mental health pressures faced by musicians today.
The music industry is known to have higher rates of mental health challenges due to factors such as touring pressures, financial instability, and intense competition. According to recent studies, musicians are three times more likely to suffer from depression compared to the general population.
“The music world can be incredibly isolating and stressful,” said Brook. “I’ve seen talented people struggle with their mental health, and having proper support can literally be the difference between life and death.”
Tonic Music for Mental Health, founded in 2012, offers free services to those in the music industry through its three key programs: Tonic Rider for industry professionals, Never Mind The Stigma for music fans, and festival outreach. These services include peer support groups, Mental Health First Aid training, and workshops – all of which are crucial in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis in the music industry.
The wing walk challenge will see Brook strapped to the top wing of a biplane, performing manoeuvres at speeds of up to 100mph. Despite admitting to being “pleasantly terrified,” Brook is determined to complete the challenge for the cause.
“If this helps even one person get the support they need, it’ll be worth every second,” he said.
Those looking to support Brook and Tonic Music for Mental Health can make donations at https://www.justgiving.com/page/andy-brook-1. The wing walk is set to take place on Wednesday 20th August at RFC Rendcomb.
Media Contact:
Tracy@tonicmusic.co.uk
Photo opportunity: Andy Brook is available for interviews before the challenge, and high-resolution images of the wing walk are available upon request.
About Tonic Music for Mental Health:
Tonic Music for Mental Health is a registered charity (No. 1189913) based in Portsmouth that aims to promote good mental health in music communities through education, support, and opportunities to participate in music and arts. Founded in 2012, the charity offers free services to those in the music industry, including peer support groups, Mental Health First Aid training, and workshops.
