When Radiohead first started touring, it was an exhilarating experience, but the band had been together for about five or six years and had only played in their hometown of Oxford before signing with a record label. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, they faced the pressures of fame, comparisons to other bands, and the demands of a growing career. Their routine shifted dramatically—late nights, poor food, and constant travel became the norm. By 1992, they were playing in small venues using a van, but by 1993, they were touring the United States for half the year. During that time, one member began to feel overwhelmed, experiencing what is known as "impostor syndrome"—a feeling of not being good enough despite success. The stress manifested in their music, particularly during a show where they were opening for Tears for Fears and another band featuring drummer Clem Burke, a long-time hero. The pressure was so intense that their drumming seemed to falter, with each limb moving independently, making even basic tasks like hitting the kick drum feel impossible. By the end of the tour, the strain was evident, and the member relied on expensive phone calls to their wife, as video calls like Zoom or FaceTime were not yet available. After the tour, a manager approached the member to talk about their struggles, which proved to be a crucial step in beginning the healing process. Later, when they opened for other bands like James and REM, they found mentors who helped them navigate the challenges of touring. These experiences inspired Radiohead to take mental health seriously, and on their recent autumn tour, they partnered with the Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) to provide mental health support for all tour personnel. The MITC offered introductory sessions during rehearsals and production, along with confidential therapy sessions during the tour. However, such support has not been available for smaller tours, where the pressure is even greater. At that level, musicians often have little financial margin, long hours, and the stress of traveling between shows. They're expected to keep going without taking time for themselves, which can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. The constant movement and shared living spaces can create feelings of isolation, and the anxiety of being guided by people who may not have their best interests in mind can be overwhelming. It's hard to speak up, as no one wants to cause trouble or burden others who might be going through similar struggles. To address this, Radiohead is now supporting the Pay It Forward Fund, a new initiative created by Tamsin Embleton and the MITC to provide mental health support for musicians and crew members on smaller tours. The program aims to give people access to therapists who understand the unique challenges of the music industry. Tamsin, who has volunteered with the Samaritans since her student days, believes that having someone to talk to who has lived experience in the industry is crucial. She says she would have appreciated such support during Radiohead’s early years and hopes the Pay It Forward Fund can provide that space for others. The fund, initially backed by £272,000, will support 150 tour teams over three years with occupational health, mental health education, and pastoral care. The goal is for this kind of support to become a standard part of touring, helping people feel less isolated and more supported. The initiative is now open for applications, and Tamsin has also published a book titled Touring And Mental Health: the Music Industry Manual, which offers further insight into the challenges of the industry.