The world of heavy music is often associated with a high-energy lifestyle, but beneath the surface, many musicians and crew members face significant challenges. For Pat Sheridan, Fit for an Autopsy guitarist and Director of Partnerships for NEVEN Eyewear, one of these challenges is providing adequate healthcare coverage.
The Problem: Limited Healthcare Options for Touring Musicians
- Many touring musicians and crew members do not have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage, leaving them vulnerable to medical expenses.
- Healthcare costs can be a significant burden, with some estimates suggesting that musicians may spend up to 30% of their income on medical bills.
• Chappell Roan’s Grammys acceptance speech highlighted the issue, as she bravely spoke out about the lack of healthcare coverage for artists and industry professionals.
The Solution: Sight for Sound
- Sight for Sound is a unique initiative that provides free glasses and sunglasses to qualified touring bands and crew members.
- The program is made possible through a collaboration between NEVEN Eyewear and heavy music fan Jonathan Strauss.
- Eligibility criteria include working on 75 or more shows per year for U.S.-based touring or music industry professionals.
- Qualified individuals can fill out a form on the Sight for Sound webpage to receive free eyewear.
Behind the Scenes
“Music is a lot of fun, but it’s not all glamour and excitement. There are a lot of people who work hard behind the scenes to bring the show to life, but they often get overlooked,” says Jonathan Strauss. “A lot of people think musicians or people in the industry are living the dream, but what they don’t see is the reality behind the scenes — no healthcare, no safety net. And when a tour ends, the realities of life kick in fast.”
NEVEN Eyewear: A Brand Built on Authenticity
NEVEN Eyewear is a brand that has been built on authenticity and a commitment to its customers. Founded by Strauss and his wife, NEVEN started out as a small business from their home, working out of a bedroom.
“The metal scene can be tough, and it’s easy to get taken advantage of,” says Strauss. “But we don’t fake it. We’re not some polished, corporate eyewear brand trying to be edgy. We’re real people who built this brand from the ground up, with grit, heart and a DIY mentality that mirrors the energy of the scene.”
“Metal fans can smell bullshit from a mile away,” continues Strauss. “NEVEN doesn’t try to be something it’s not. We’re just a small business trying to make a difference, one pair of glasses at a time.”
Partnerships and Collaborations
NEVEN Eyewear has already collaborated with some of the biggest names in the heavy music scene, including Gary Holt (Exodus), Tony Foresta (Municipal Waste), Tanner Wayne (In Flames), Zach Johnson (The Ghost Inside) and Phil Sgrosso (Saosin).
These partnerships demonstrate the brand’s commitment to its community and its values of authenticity and support.
Supporting the Community
The Sight for Sound initiative is more than just a program – it’s a way for NEVEN Eyewear to give back to the community that has supported them.
“Saving music industry professionals thousands of dollars a year is a small act of kindness,” says Pat Sheridan, Fit for an Autopsy guitarist. “But it’s an honor to be able to support a community that often gets overlooked once the lights go down.”
The Future of Sight for Sound
- The initiative is still in its early stages, but with the support of the community and partners like NEVEN Eyewear, it’s likely to make a significant impact.
- Future plans include expanding the program to more musicians and crew members, as well as increasing awareness about the importance of vision care for the touring music industry.
As the touring music industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to address the gaps in support that musicians and crew members face.
