On Thursday 14 August, 2025, local musician Andy Brook will be taking to the skies in a death-defying wing walk to raise funds for mental health in the music industry.
Brook, who has previously worked with renowned artists such as Status Quo and Bonnie Tyler, will be strapped to the wings of a vintage biplane on Wednesday 20th August at RFC Rendcomb. He has described this as his “most terrifying challenge yet” and hopes to raise vital funds for Tonic Music for Mental Health, a charity that provides free mental health support to those in the music industry.
With a career spanning decades, Brook has gained extensive experience and unique insight into the mental health pressures facing musicians today. He has worked with a variety of artists, from established legends to rising stars, including Lola Young at the beginning of her career.
The issue of mental health in the music industry is particularly pressing due to the intense competition, financial instability, and touring pressures that musicians face. Recent studies have shown that musicians are three times more likely to suffer from depression compared to the general population.
“The music world can be incredibly isolating and stressful,” said Brook. “I’ve seen talented people struggle with their mental health, and having proper support can literally be the difference between life and death.”
Tonic Music for Mental Health, founded in 2012, operates three key programmes across the UK to support those in the music industry. These include Tonic Rider for industry professionals, Never Mind The Stigma for music fans, and their free services such as peer support groups, Mental Health First Aid training, workshops, and festival outreach. These services are desperately needed as the music industry continues to face an ongoing mental health crisis.
The wing walk challenge will involve Brook being strapped to the top wing of a biplane while it performs manoeuvres at speeds of up to 100mph. Despite admitting to being “pleasantly terrified,” Brook is determined to complete the challenge and raise awareness for this important cause.
“If this helps even one person get the support they need, it’ll be worth every second,” he said.
Donations to support Brook’s wing walk can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/andy-brook-1. The event will take place on Wednesday 20th August at RFC Rendcomb.
For media enquiries, please contact Tracy@tonicmusic.co.uk. Andy Brook is available for interviews before the challenge, and high-resolution images of the wing walk are available upon request.
About Tonic Music for Mental Health:
Founded in 2012, Tonic Music for Mental Health is a registered charity (No. 1189913) based in Portsmouth that promotes good mental health in music communities through education, support, and opportunities to participate in music and arts.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.