Posthof highlights the importance of artist hospitality for touring and mental health

Touring remains one of the most demanding aspects of a musician’s career. Constant travel, changing environments, pressure to perform, and rising production costs all contribute to an increasingly stressful reality for artists and their teams. As part of Liveurope’s 2025 theme of mental health in the music sector, we spoke with Gernot Kremser, general director of our Austrian venue Posthof about how venues can actively support artists’ wellbeing - starting with something often underestimated: hospitality and backstage spaces.

Touring is often described as high stress. How does Posthof approach artists’ wellbeing when they arrive at the venue? 

Touring is extremely stressful. Bands are constantly on the move, sleeping in nightliners or vans, waking up in a different city every day. When artists arrive at Posthof, our philosophy is simple: they come to work and we want to make that workday feel as pleasant as possible. Hospitality plays a huge role here. It’s not only about the technical side of a concert; it’s about how welcome you feel when you walk in. The smell of good coffee, breakfast waiting, a comfortable space... all of this sets the tone for the entire day. 

You recently renovated your dressing rooms. What inspired the change?

We were inspired by other Liveurope venues, including L’Aéronef in France, and realized how much of a difference backstage spaces can make. With relatively small but thoughtful investments, you can completely change the atmosphere. About three years ago, we refurbished all our artist lodges and backstage areas. We repainted, redesigned, and brought everything to the same standard. Our venue is over 40 years old, so it was also about letting go of outdated spaces and creating something that reflects today’s needs.

How did artists react to the renovation? 

The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. We have table football, arcade games from the 1980s, comfortable common areas, and multiple catering spots. Artists use these spaces to rest, work, play, sleep, or simply escape the tightness of a tour bus. The idea is to create a backstage that feels more like a living room or a café than a functional waiting room. 

What role does food and hospitality play in mental wellbeing on tour? 

It’s essential. We have our own cook, and hospitality starts with a phone call to the tour manager, talking about what’s fresh, local, and available that day. Good food, good coffee, and quality products make a real difference. These things may sound simple, but in daily practice they create comfort and stability, especially for artists who are far from home. 

Do you also support artists off stage, when they have free time in Linz? 

We provide a city map with museums and cultural spots, including Ars Electronica and the local contemporary art museums. We also offer football tickets, museum visits, and recommendations depending on the artist’s interests. Some artists prefer to explore independently, others just want to rest. Many artists stay overnight at Posthof in dedicated artist lodges, and use the day rooms to rest and recover during the day. We also have bikes, a basketball court, and easy access to the Danube river. Physical movement and fresh air can make a huge difference for mental balance.

Do you believe the artists’ experience before the show affects the performance?

Absolutely. If the day from arrival to soundcheck goes well, the audience feels it in the evening. It’s like going to a restaurant - if the welcome is bad, the whole experience is ruined. When artists feel relaxed and supported, they give that positive energy back to the audience. You’ve been active for over four decades. 

Have you noticed changes in artists’ mental health over the years?

We’ve seen a shift from heavy drug and alcohol use towards more mindful practices like yoga, pilates, cycling, and fitness. Artists are much more professional today. At the same time, the pressure has increased. Touring is expensive, expectations are high, and artists are under constant pressure to perform, stay healthy, and make money. Artists and music often play an important role in supporting the audience’s mental health, while artists themselves are under increasing pressure and risk burnout or illness.

How does Posthof respond to this pressure? 

We try to provide a safe space - mentally and physically. A place where artists can breathe, slow down, and not get sick. We also learned a lot during COVID. Being sick and rescheduling a concert is not the end of the world. Health comes first. 

Do you also think about the wellbeing of the crew behind the artists? 

Absolutely. The atmosphere within the crew shapes the entire day at the venue. When artists and their teams arrive and see that everything is well organized, that the venue is not a source of additional stress, it creates a sense of relief. A smooth, well-prepared environment helps everyone focus on their work and keeps the overall energy of the day positive, from arrival to the concert itself. 

What do you want artists to take with them from their time at Posthof?

We want Posthof to be a place that artists remember for the right reasons. Whether it’s an emerging act on their first tour or an established artist, everyone is treated with the same level of care and respect. Artists talk to each other on the road. They remember places where they felt welcome and places where everything went wrong. If they leave Linz saying that their day at Posthof felt good, comfortable, and supportive, then we know we’ve done our job.