Touring is often seen as the ultimate dream for musicians—constant travel, performing in front of passionate fans, and living a life of excitement and adventure. But behind the lights and the music, the realities of touring can be grueling. It comes with an array of challenges that can take a heavy toll on a person’s mental health, relationships, and physical well-being. In this article, we dive deep into the effects of touring through candid interviews with TobyMac and his bandmates, shedding light on the emotional, relational, and physical sacrifices that come with life on the road.
The Mental Health Struggles of Touring
For many musicians, the mental health challenges of touring are the most difficult to navigate. Constant travel, being away from family and friends, and the pressure to perform at a high level night after night can lead to stress, burnout, anxiety, and even depression.
TobyMac, a seasoned artist with over 30 years in the music industry, has experienced these mental and emotional battles firsthand. He’s known for his upbeat, energetic persona on stage, but behind the scenes, the pressures of touring have often weighed on him.
“Touring is hard in ways that I never expected,” TobyMac shares. “You see all the smiles and the fans, but there’s also a lot of isolation. You’re in a different city every day, away from your family. You miss birthdays, holidays, and milestones. It’s not always glamorous—it can be incredibly lonely.”
TobyMac has spoken openly about the impact that loneliness has had on his mental health over the years. While he loves performing and connecting with fans, the isolation of being away from loved ones can take a significant emotional toll. This sense of disconnection from the people who matter most can create feelings of homesickness, depression, and sometimes even anxiety.
Bandmates like drummer Tim “T-Bone” McTague echo these sentiments, with a focus on the exhaustion that comes from the constant grind of travel and performance. “Touring isn’t just physically exhausting; it’s mentally draining. You’re always ‘on,’ always performing. It can start to feel like a cycle you can’t escape, and that can mess with your head.”
Tour Fatigue and Burnout
Burnout is a common concern for musicians who spend months on the road. Long hours of travel, late-night shows, and the pressure to perform can wear down even the most seasoned performers. For TobyMac and his team, the struggle to find balance between work and rest is something they’re continually working on.
“One of the biggest challenges we face as a touring group is maintaining energy levels,” says guitarist and bandmate, Solomon “Soli” Sussman. “When you’re playing night after night, it’s easy to get tired—not just physically, but emotionally. We’ve had to become really intentional about rest. There was a time when we’d go, go, go, but now we take breaks when we can, especially to prevent burnout.”
Burnout doesn’t just affect a musician’s performance—it can also impact their relationships. The mental fatigue from touring can make it difficult to maintain a positive, supportive dynamic with bandmates and loved ones.
The Strain on Relationships
One of the most difficult aspects of life on the road is the impact it can have on personal relationships. Whether it’s a romantic partner, children, or close friends, being away for weeks or months at a time can create a sense of disconnection. For TobyMac, balancing his career with his family life has always been a priority, but it hasn’t been without its challenges.
“Being away from my wife, Amanda, and our kids for extended periods is really tough,” he admits. “I try to make the most of the time I do have at home, but there’s always a part of me that feels like I’m missing out on something—whether it’s school plays, family dinners, or just regular life. That’s something that weighs heavily on me.”
Despite the sacrifices, TobyMac emphasizes the importance of staying connected to his family through technology. “We do video calls and texts, and I try to stay involved in their day-to-day lives as much as I can,” he says. “But it’s never the same as being there physically, and that’s something I’m always thinking about.”
Other members of the band share similar struggles. “I’ve missed birthdays, anniversaries, and important events,” says bass player Chad O’Neal. “It’s hard to explain to the people you love why you’re constantly away, and it can lead to tension. Thankfully, we have a supportive team, and we lean on each other, but it’s a sacrifice, no doubt.”
The Physical Toll of Touring
It’s not just the mental and emotional exhaustion that takes a toll—touring is also physically demanding. Late nights, long bus rides, and the sheer physicality of performing every night can put strain on a musician’s body. TobyMac and his band have faced a variety of physical challenges, from repetitive stress injuries to the wear and tear that comes with the high-energy performances they’re known for.
“Performing on stage every night takes a physical toll,” says drummer Tim McTague. “It’s a combination of constant movement, the heat from the lights, and just the hours spent playing. I’ve had to make a lot of adjustments to my routine over the years to keep my body in shape.”
The physical demands of touring aren’t just about performance. The constant travel and irregular schedules can make it difficult to maintain healthy habits, like regular exercise or eating nutritious meals. Sleep deprivation is another issue that’s common on the road, and it can lead to both physical and mental health problems.
“We’re often on buses or planes, and sometimes the only food options available are quick, unhealthy meals,” explains TobyMac. “It can be tough to prioritize health when you’re always on the go. But we’ve learned that if we want to keep performing at our best, we need to take care of our bodies.”
Finding Balance: Coping with the Challenges of Touring
Despite the significant challenges of life on the road, TobyMac and his bandmates have found ways to cope. From prioritizing rest and recovery to leaning on each other for support, the key to navigating the complexities of touring is maintaining a sense of balance.
“We’ve become much more intentional about finding time to rest,” TobyMac says. “It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the road, but we’ve learned that taking breaks, whether it’s a day off or even just an hour of quiet time, is vital for our well-being. It’s also important to check in with each other emotionally—sometimes, we’re so caught up in the work of touring that we forget to ask how each other’s doing.”
Chad O’Neal also emphasizes the importance of emotional support. “We’re a family out here,” he says. “We look out for one another. We try to keep things light and fun, and that helps us deal with the stress. And when things get tough, we talk. Having that support system in place makes a huge difference.”
Conclusion: The Duality of Touring
The challenges of touring are undeniable, but for many musicians, the rewards outweigh the sacrifices. The joy of performing, connecting with fans, and living out a passion for music is incredibly fulfilling. However, it’s important to recognize the personal costs that come with this lifestyle.
TobyMac’s experience on the road is a testament to the resilience required to navigate the pressures of touring. “It’s not always easy,” he reflects, “but I love what I do. The challenges are part of the journey, and I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. The key is to find balance—to take care of your mental health, stay connected to the people you love, and look after your body. It’s all about finding ways to keep moving forward, even when the road gets tough.”
Touring may come with its fair share of struggles, but for TobyMac and his bandmates, the shared experiences and unwavering passion for music keep them going, reminding us all of the sacrifices musicians make to entertain and inspire.
Emmanuel 
Festus Kenneth