Sweet Relief Musicians Fund Auction For Music’s Mental Health Fund to Feature Coldplay, R.E.M., Teddy Swims Items

The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund launched a fundraiser on Thursday (May 15) to benefit the Music’s Mental Health Fund featuring signed memorabilia and experiences from Coldplay, R.E.M., Teddy Swims, The Mars Volta, Nickelback and more.

The Mental Health Fund, a partnership between the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and the music industry mental health and wellness organization Backline, provides financial assistance to music industry professionals in need of mental health services.

“We’re excited to launch this auction to hep us provide mental healthcare for our music community in need,” said Sweet Relief Musicians Fund executive director Aric Steinberg in a statement. “Thank you to all of the amazing artists who contributed and to our partners at Backline who help us care for our music industry professionals when they need us most.”

A 2019 survey of around 1,500 musicians by digital distribution platform Record Union found that 73% of independent musicians struggle with mental illness. According to the Sweet Relief release, for music industry professionals with a therapist encountering financial difficulties, the Mental Health Fund will help them continue their treatment. Backline’s case managers can also provide a mental health plan specified to that professional’s needs.

Among the items up for bid in the auction are: a signed Nickelback Live From Nashville vinyl, a signed Panda Bear Telecaster guitar, 2 VIP tickets to a Mars Volta show of your choice, a signed TV on the Radio Fender Jaguar guitar, 2 VIP tickets to a Teddy Swims show of your choice, a signed R.E.M. Rickenbacker guitar and two friends and family tickets to Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour along with a signed drumhead skin, among others.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.