Mental Health and Touring: David 5-1 Norman

Mental Health and Touring: An Interview with David 5-1 Norman.

In recent years, mental health has been the subject of frequent discussions in the world of touring. A big change from what was once a topic that seemed to only be discussed in whispers. Whether it’s through social media, back lounge conversations, or through organizations such as Backline Cares, mental health and overall crew wellness are beginning to find a place in the production community. Still, for many, addressing mental health on tour remains a challenge, especially as stakes only get higher as shows get bigger, and more complicated. To better understand how to create supportive environments that foster crew wellness and mental health Samantha Boone sat down for an interview with David ‘5-1’ Norman. David, whose four-decade career spans artists like Prince, Alicia Keys, and Robert Plant, to share his perspective on how the culture around mental health has shifted, the tools he’s developed to endure the grind, and why compassion, community, and curiosity are key to building a healthier future on tour.

Boone: Over the course of your career (specifically the last 10 years) how have you seen the conversations around mental health change amongst the industry and touring professionals? 

Norman: Oh, most definitely especially when the pandemic hit and everyone was cooped up at home. There was that fear of the unknown of how long the pandemic would last and the impact of our industry going completely dark that contributed to the loss of income, freedom of movement and human physical connection.

Boone: Additionally, do you think there was a specific turning point where you noticed a shift in conversations regarding mental health becoming more common or open?

Norman: I think about six months into the pandemic when panic started setting in that people had no income and the overall fear of not knowing when things would get back to “normal”.

Boone: Given the high-stress nature of touring, what were some tools or habits you learned early on in your career to manage stress and maintain your mental health—and how have those evolved over the years? 

Norman: THERAPY (mental and physical)! Also, I’ve been a long-time practicing Buddhist in theory and just learning to stop overthinking and taking things so personally.

Outside of therapy, also having those people that you can vent, chat or get things off of your chest can be invaluable.

On tour, I try to get outside more often and walk around the venue to clear my head. Being inside a venue all day when you go in the morning with no sunlight and you load out in the evening, again with no sunlight, I find contributes to depression.

I also like to contact a local animal shelter to bring puppies and dogs to the venue. It’s a win-win scenario as the dogs get out of the shelter (where the noise and stress can lead to other issues) and a chance to be socialized leading to a better chance to get adopted. For the tour, it’s a huge positive mood shift and morale booster.

Boone: As someone who’s helped build touring crews across a wide range of scales, how do you approach creating a culture of support, and mental wellness within your crews?

Norman: I’m a huge proponent of hiring people of color and women on my tours. I find that alone for those groups is a huge uplift as they don’t have the same opportunities or outreach in the hiring field. Most can’t understand the stigma that’s associated with being deemed that you’re not “good enough” or as qualified as others merely based on your gender, skin tone, sexuality or religion.

This industry definitely needs more females and PCs in the managerial section: Tour Managers, Production Managers, Tour Directors, Tour Accountants, Riggers, etc.  We can do better.

Boone: Are there specific systems or communication tools you’ve found particularly effective in encouraging openness and mutual respect on tour?

Norman: I have an open-door policy for my Production Office. You can come and chat to me about any topic that you feel that needs to be addressed. Many times, it’s not even tour related. It could just be a sounding board for someone who’s having issues at home, health issues or just need to vent. 

I also tell my staff if they see a way that we can streamline or make things better on tour, feel free to broach that subject. It’s stressful enough touring and if we can optimize something to make it easier for all, then it’s definitely a positive move.

Boone: How do you implement or adapt these systems tour to tour or artist to artists as each camp seems to have its own culture and dynamics?

Norman: Every artist and camp are definitely different and have their ways of doing things, especially if there are long-time staff who are already in place. You can only have an honest and open conversation in hopes that everyone wants to accomplish the same long time positive goals for all concerned.

Boone: Looking ahead, what actions or mindset shifts do you believe the next generation of tour managers, production staff, and crew leaders should adopt in order to better support one another—both on and off the road?

Norman: Basically, just be a good human. Be involved within your local community. Volunteer at an animal shelter or women’s shelter. Give of yourself and it will return to you in so many different ways.

When I teach, I tell my students that there’s no such thing as a stupid question because if you don’t ask, you don’t know. I’m 63 years old and I’m STILL asking questions!

Boone: What would you like to see younger professionals doing differently that could help move the industry in a healthier, more sustainable direction?

Norman: Network, network, network. Attend conferences. If there’s someone you aspire to be, reach out and see if you can have a “if you have a few moments, may I pick your brain?” type of conversation. I still do that with various Tour and Production Managers and Accountants. 

Always be willing to learn and LISTEN. Be accountable for your actions. 

Trust your instincts and above all, know your worth.

David ‘5-1’ Norman is a seasoned Touring Professional with over 40 years of global experience. He specializes in steering top artists’ tours as well managing finance. 

David’s journey has been as Tour Director, Tour Manager, Production Manager and Tour Accountant for many of the world’s top artists covering all genres of music; Prince, John Legend, Green Day, John Fogerty, Earth, Wind & Fire, Avicci, Alicia Keys, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Evanescence, Fall Out Boy, The British Rock Symphony, and Tyler, the Creator, Kid Cudi and Cyndi Lauper to name a few. 

As an educator and industry influencer, he shapes music education, supports music nonprofits and contributes to entertainment boards. 

His dedication to new challenges has led him to mentorship roles, educating future talents at renowned institutions and contributing insights through podcasts, webinars, and conferences. 

During the pandemic, David became an Adjunct Professor at William Paterson University for the Music Business Program which led him to appearing as a guest Lecturer at the following numerous institutions: Benedict College, Belmont University, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), University of Oregon, SUNY Oneonta College of Fine Arts, NYU Grammy U, MusicCares, University of Central Florida (UCF), University of Louisiana Lafayette, Ferris State University, University of Georgia, University of New Haven and Cal State Fullerton. 

David has also spoken at numerous conferences including but not limited to; NAMM, Pollstar Live!, Music Biz 2025. The Leadership Music Panel, Show Makers/NAMM Panel, Live Production Summit, The Launch Music Conference, Touring Career Workshop, The Conference at Rock Lititz; Rock Lititz Career Event Day and the Roadies of Color United Conference. 

He was also the 2022 recipient of the Sam “Old Skool” Harden Award which recognizes an industry leader who dedicates their time and energy to mentor and teach those just beginning their careers.