Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

R.E.M., Coldplay, Nickelback Contribute Items For Sweet Relief Auction

R.E.M.: Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe and Bill Berry attend 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on June 13, 2024 Lev Radin - 2024-06-13, New York, NY, USA - 13 Jun 2024
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Lev Radin/Shutterstock (14832964b) R.E.M.: Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe and Bill Berry attend 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on June 13, 2024 Lev Radin - 2024-06-13, New York, NY, USA - 13 Jun 2024

The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has recently launched a high-profile auction to benefit the Music’s Mental Health Fund. This initiative, announced on May 15, 2025, aims to provide crucial financial support to music industry professionals struggling with mental health challenges. The auction extends an opportunity to bid on a diverse array of memorabilia and experiences generously contributed by notable bands and artists including Coldplay, R.E.M., Teddy Swims, The Mars Volta, and Nickelback, among others. The need for financial assistance in the music industry is underscored by findings from a 2019 survey conducted by Record Union, revealing that 73% of independent musicians face mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of this fund.

The Mental Health Fund is a collaborative effort between the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and Backline, a mental health and wellness organization dedicated to supporting the music industry community. This collaboration offers financial assistance to industry professionals who, despite requiring therapeutic support, find themselves unable to cover the costs involved. Backline's contribution also extends to tailoring specific mental health care plans for individual professionals, ensuring that help is both accessible and customized to their unique needs.

Among the exclusive items available for auction are a signed vinyl of Nickelback's *Live From Nashville*, a Rickenbacker guitar signed by all members of R.E.M., and a drum skin from Coldplay's Music of the Spheres tour, featuring signatures from the band. Additional auction entries include VIP tickets to concerts by Mars Volta and Teddy Swims, as well as unique guitars signed by artists such as TV on the Radio. These collectible items and experiences are set to attract fans and collectors, with all proceeds directed towards the critical mission of the Music’s Mental Health Fund.

The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, with roots dating back to 1994, holds a rich history of providing assistance to musicians in times of need. This current auction, enhanced by the collaborative efforts with Backline, illustrates an ongoing commitment to addressing mental health challenges across the music industry, a field well-known for its emotional highs and stresses. Executive Director Aric Steinberg expressed gratitude towards participating artists and partners, highlighting the collective drive to support music industry workers during critical moments.

Additionally, the Music's Mental Health Fund auction reflects a growing acknowledgment of the mental health crisis facing those in the music industry. It provides a community-focused solution positioned not only to raise money but also to raise awareness about the importance of mental wellness. By leveraging the star power of contributing artists and the appeal of unique memorabilia, the auction brings attention to a cause that resonates deeply within the music community and beyond.

While mental health has become an increasingly significant topic across various sectors, the music industry has consistently been at the forefront of advocacy and action. This auction symbolizes a meaningful step towards ensuring that mental health services are accessible to those who shape the soundtrack of our lives. Through initiatives like this, the industry continues to galvanize support for the unsung heroes behind the music who may bear the brunt of its demanding nature.

Overall, the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund auction is more than a charitable event; it's a beacon of hope and support for the music community, ensuring that those struggling with mental illness can access the care they need. The fusion of music and philanthropy seen in this auction underscores a deep-seated belief in community, healing, and the transformative power of music to make a difference in the lives of industry professionals.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Bobby Sherman 1970

Bobby Sherman, Teen Idol of Late ’60s & Early ’70s Dies at 81

Bobby Sherman, the quintessential teen idol and bubblegum pop sensation of the 1960s and ’70s, passed away at the age…

Joe Bonamassa kicks off his tour at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, NV on October 26, 2024. Joe Bonamassa kicks off his tour at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada - 26 Oct 2024

Joe Bonamassa to Headline Florida’s 2026 Sound Wave Beach Weekend

Joe Bonamassa, a renowned figure in the blues-rock genre, is set to captivate audiences with his upcoming Sound Wave Beach…

BST HYDE PARK 2024 - July 7 2024 Shania Twain performs on stage at BST Hyde Park (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media Shutterstock) American Express presents BST Hyde Park, Day 7, London, UK - 07 Jul 2024

Shania Twain Stars in Commercial for Canadian Sparkling Water

Clearly Canadian, a beloved sparkling water brand, has made a significant comeback nearly three decades after disappearing from the advertising…

The Pretenders - Chrissie Hynde perform on the Other stage Glastonbury Festival, Day 3, UK - 23 Jun 2017

The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde Thinks It’s Too Hot For Outdoor Concerts

In a thought-provoking statement, Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer of the iconic band The Pretenders, has raised concerns about the…

Mick Jagger is performing with The Rolling Stones at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on April 28, 2024. The Rolling Stones Perform At NRG Stadium In Houston, Houston, Texas, United States - 28 Apr 2024

Mick Jagger Sings French Creole Song, A Tribute to Zydeco Clifton Chenier

The Rolling Stones have once again demonstrated their musical versatility by delving into the rich and rhythmed world of zydeco…

VAN HALEN - 1995

Van Halen Expands ‘Balance’ With Unreleased Rarities

Van Halen’s iconic album “Balance” celebrates its 30th anniversary with an expanded edition set to be released on August 15,…

Joni Mitchell - Canadian-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter Isle of Wight Festival, Afton Down, on the western side of the Isle of Wight, England, UK - Aug 1970 The Isle of Wight Festival 1970 was a music festival held between 26 and 31 August 1970 at Afton Down, an area on the western side of the Isle of Wight in England. It was the last of three consecutive music festivals to take place on the island between 1968 and 1970 and often acknowledged as the largest musical event of its time, with a larger attendance than Woodstock. Many excerpts from this festival have appeared on record and video.

Joni Mitchell Announces Jazz Box Set

Joni Mitchell’s profound connection to jazz is receiving a comprehensive showcase with the upcoming release of her compilation, “Joni’s Jazz.”…

JOHN LYDON AND WIFE NORA JOHN LYDON AT THE MARRIOT HOTEL AFTER WALKING OUT OF 'I'M A CELEBRITY GET ME OUT OF HERE', GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - 05 FEB 2004

Sex Pistols’ John Lydon Accused of Profiteering From Wife’s Death

John Lydon, known for his revolutionary role as the frontman of the Sex Pistols and the visionary founding member of…

Les Claypool of Primus performs onstage during the "a tribute to kings" tour. Primus in Concert, ACL-Live, Austin, Texas, USA - 09 Sep 2021

Primus Announces a Limited Edition 7-in Vinyl Release

Primus, the iconic funk metal band known for its experimental soundscapes, is making headlines once again with the announcement of…