Meltdown Festival to use Frightened Rabbit slot for discussion on mental health in music

Remembered: Scott Hutchison performing with Frightened Rabbit in 2012
PA Archive/PA Images
Jochan Embley19 June 2018

A panel discussing the mental health issues affecting those working in the music industry is set to replace Frightened Rabbit’s cancelled set at Meltdown Festival, following the death of the band’s frontman, Scott Hutchison.

The panel will feature Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses and Placebo’s Stefan Olsdal, alongside the poet and musician Dizraeli and Christine Brown, director of external affairs at Help Musicians UK, a charity providing support to people involved in the sector.

The Southbank Centre, which is hosting the discussion, said in a statement: “The music industry has seen a number of devastating losses of life in recent years, and ever-increasing numbers of musicians are speaking out in the media and in their songs about struggles with mental health.”

Hutchison, who had spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health both in his music and in interviews, was found dead on May 10 this year after taking his own life. He was 36 years old.

The event, Mental Health and the Music Industry, takes place tonight (June 19) with free tickets able to be reserved here.

This year’s Meltdown Festival is being curated by Robert Smith of the Cure, featuring acts such as My Bloody Valentine, Deftones and Manic Street Preachers.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit a local branch or go to samaritans.org

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