Behind The Lens: Backline - Tour Services Company Of The Year

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Backline, a nonprofit organization connecting music industry professionals and their family members with mental health and wellness resources, has been named Tour Services Company of the Year at the 36th Annual Pollstar Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on April 16, 2025. 

The Pollstar Awards celebrate the most innovative, hardworking, and impactful figures in the live entertainment business. The Tour Services Company of the Year category honors an organization that has provided exceptional support to touring artists and crews, both on and off the road. This is the first time a nonprofit organization has won the award. Backline Executive Director, Hilary Gleason says:

Backline is honored to receive this recognition from Pollstar as it reflects the growing awareness around the importance of mental health in the music industry. At Backline, our mission has always been to support the mental health and well-being of the music industry and this award affirms that this work matters. We share this with every artist, crew member, and industry professional that believes in creating a healthier, more sustainable music community.

This recognition highlights Backline’s commitment to make mental health and wellness services accessible to those working behind the scenes on and off the stage. Since its founding in 2019, Backline has become an essential resource for the touring community, offering a range of services including mental health support, case management, support groups, and wellness offerings–all tailored to the unique lifestyle of touring professionals. Backline has created over 2,000 custom care plans for industry individuals spanning thousands of bands, musical genres, festivals and venues. The ripple effect of this impact extends far beyond the individuals served–by supporting one professional, Backline helps entire teams, families, and productions run more smoothly, creating a chain reaction that strengthens the well-being of the industry as a whole.

Backline’s recognition at the Pollstar Awards coincides with Backline Executive Director Hilary Gleason’s participation in a panel discussion at Pollstar Live!, Pollstar’s live production-focused summit. On April 15, the panel brought together thought leaders from across the industry to share practical strategies and solutions for well-being in an increasingly demanding touring environment.