Shinedown: Amplifying Hope Through a Powerful Partnership with AFSP
The multi-platinum rock band Shinedown has forged a significant and ongoing partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), demonstrating their deep commitment to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. This collaboration goes beyond a simple endorsement, reflecting the band's long-standing dedication to speaking out about mental health through their music and personal experiences.
Shinedown's connection with AFSP has grown stronger over the years. They have actively participated in AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Community Walks, including the Washington D.C. event, to raise funds and awareness. In 2023, the band further solidified their support by announcing that they would donate $1 from every ticket sold on their "The Revolutions Live" U.S. headline tour to AFSP. This initiative was a substantial contribution to AFSP's life-saving programs.
Frontman Brent Smith has often spoken about the band's appreciation for AFSP's work, emphasizing the organization's crucial role in providing resources, education, and advocacy. He has consistently used his platform to remind fans that "the world is a much better place with you in it," a message that resonates deeply with AFSP's mission.
Beyond direct donations, Shinedown has leveraged their music to amplify AFSP's message. Their song "A Symptom Of Being Human" from their album Planet Zero celebrates individual differences and embraces life's complexities, fostering a sense of connection. Another powerful track, "GET UP," was born from bassist Eric Bass's personal struggle with clinical depression and offers a message of hope and encouragement. The band has also re-released "Leave A Light On" as "Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)" in support of AFSP's "Talk Away The Dark" campaign, with donations made to AFSP every time the song is streamed or consumed.
AFSP's CEO, Robert Gebbia, has lauded Shinedown's efforts, highlighting how the band's platform helps spark conversations about mental health and creates a supportive community for those who are struggling. This partnership enables AFSP to fund vital research, expand public education initiatives, and provide crucial support efforts, ultimately working towards the shared goal of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.
Shinedown's partnership with AFSP stands as a powerful example of how artists can use their influence to make a tangible difference in addressing critical public health issues, inspiring fans and fostering a culture of understanding and support.