On a recent episode of the 101 Part Time Jobs podcast, the members of all-female band Witch Fever shared a raw and honest account of their financial struggles while on tour in the UK and Europe. Despite opening for Volbeat and playing in arenas and stadiums, the band found themselves facing unexpected financial hardship. Bassist and backing vocalist Alex Thompson revealed that while the fees were higher than ever before, their profits were tied up in withholding taxes across Europe. To make matters worse, the band had to quit their jobs to join the tour, leaving them unemployed and broke.
Lead vocalist Amy Hope Walpole expressed frustration with the current state of the music industry, describing their situation as “crazy.” She disclosed that she was living off her late mother’s pension, which was rapidly running out. The band’s experience shed light on the harsh realities of life on the road for musicians, debunking the glamorous image often associated with touring.
Witch Fever supported Volbeat on their 2025 tour, performing alongside Bush across Europe from September to October and in the UK throughout November. Despite their talents and dedication to their craft, the band found themselves struggling to make ends meet. The harsh financial truth faced by Witch Fever reflects a larger issue within the music industry, where many professional musicians struggle to earn a sustainable income from their work alone.
The challenges faced by Witch Fever are not unique, as other bands like Anthrax have also been forced to cancel tours and appearances due to high costs and logistical issues. The band’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the financial struggles that many musicians face in an industry that often prioritizes profit over artists’ well-being.
In a landscape where success is measured by ticket sales and streaming numbers, the true cost of pursuing a career in music is often overlooked. Witch Fever’s candid account serves as a powerful reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of a tour lies a harsh reality of financial uncertainty and instability. As the band continues to navigate the challenges of the music industry, their resilience and determination stand as a testament to the true spirit of a modern-day artist.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.