Black Crowes Frontman Reflects on Music Industry's Changing Approach to Mental Health

Chris Robinson contrasts his band's grueling 1990s touring schedule with today's more accommodating attitudes toward artist wellbeing.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:48am

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In a recent interview, Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson discussed the stark differences between how his generation of musicians handled mental health struggles compared to today's artists. Robinson reflected on the relentless touring schedule and lack of breaks that bands faced in the early 1990s, noting that taking time off for mental health was simply not an option. He contrasted this with the more understanding approach the industry has adopted in recent years, where artists now have the space to address their wellbeing without the same career-threatening consequences.

Why it matters

Robinson's candid remarks shed light on the broader struggles that defined The Black Crowes' early career and the music industry's evolution regarding mental health awareness. His experience reflects a broader cultural shift in how the entertainment industry approaches artist wellbeing, moving from an era where performers were expected to push through any personal struggles to today's more understanding approach.

The details

Robinson discussed how his generation of musicians handled mental health struggles differently, emphasizing the relentless touring schedule that bands faced in the early days of their careers. He noted that the first six years of The Black Crowes' career from 1989 to 1996 were 'insane to process,' with the band doing 350 shows in 18 months. Robinson contrasted this with the more accommodating expectations for today's artists, stating 'The future seems much more gentle.' He also highlighted how mental health issues in the past often manifested as disruptive behavior rather than being addressed directly, such as the incident where The Black Crowes were kicked off a ZZ Top tour for insulting the sponsor, which Robinson attributed to underlying depression.

  • The Black Crowes were formed in 1989.
  • The band's first six years, from 1989 to 1996, were marked by an intense touring schedule.
  • In 1991, The Black Crowes were kicked off a ZZ Top tour for insulting the sponsor, Miller Lite.
  • By the late 1990s, the constant industry pressures had worn the band down further, particularly after signing with Columbia Records for their album 'By Your Side.'

The players

Chris Robinson

The frontman of the rock band The Black Crowes, who has reflected on the music industry's changing approach to mental health in the context of his band's early career experiences.

The Black Crowes

A rock band formed in 1989 that experienced a relentless touring schedule and industry pressures in their early years, which Robinson has contrasted with the more accommodating attitudes towards artist wellbeing today.

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What they’re saying

“The first six years of the Black Crowes were insane to process. 1989 to 1996 wasn't a great expansive time, but we did a lot of living. You see a lot of kids and they're like, 'I canceled my shows because I'm having a mental-health issue.' And I'm like, Jesus, the whole '90s was a mental-health issue for us. We just had no choice. F*cking get out. You got to go do the gig.”

— Chris Robinson, Frontman, The Black Crowes

“Every band documentary you see, they always go, 'If we could just have taken six months off, we could have cooled off.' You didn't do that. You didn't get the chance. You're losing your mind or whatever. You just don't say anything.”

— Chris Robinson, Frontman, The Black Crowes

“It's so different now. I told some younger musicians the other day that our first tour for Shake Your Money Maker was 350 shows in 18 months. And we did it. The future seems much more gentle.”

— Chris Robinson, Frontman, The Black Crowes

The takeaway

Robinson's experience reflects a broader cultural shift in how the entertainment industry approaches artist wellbeing, moving from an era where performers were expected to push through any personal struggles to today's more understanding approach that provides musicians the space to address their mental health without the same career-threatening consequences.