For the third year running, thanks to generous support from companies within the industry, Roadies in Recovery fundraised to buy two tables at the annual TPi Awards. The goal, as it had been for the previous two years, was to create a safe space at the ceremony for those who are in recovery and live a sober lifestyle.
Roadies in Recovery, as an organisation, began during the COVID-19 pandemic with a group of roadies from all walks of life from the touring world, getting together online for mutual aid and support to help keep themselves – and each other – clean, sober, and sane. Starting with a small group, the meeting, which they named ‘Roadies in Recovery’, held online meetings three times a week.
As this fellowship has grown, so has the outreach. “We had so many people say to us that the 2026 TPi Awards was the best year by far,” stated Croxford. “What was special was that we had representatives from the companies who had helped raise funds to purchase the tables join us for the evening.”
Croxford was keen to thank the companies that have aided the initiative over the years, including: 4Wall Entertainment, Beat the Street, Britannia Row Productions, Christie Lites, Fly By Nite, Inner Sanctum, KB Event, Music First Partnership, Nighthawk Video, Passenger Recovery, Phoenix Bussing, Rock-it Cargo, TAG, Therapy on Tour, WTA Consulting. Croxford gave a special mention to VICTOR who funded an entire sober table. “It’s great to see how open companies have been with their support. The first year Christie Lites came in as an anonymous supporter, as they simply wanted to help, but it feels like the stigma around the topic has lifted.”
Croxford highlighted the trend of people who would not necessarily class themselves as being ‘in recovery’, but who are pursuing a sober lifestyle and showing their support by taking a seat at the table. “It sparked so many interesting conversations during the night about how people within the industry can manage sobriety while out on the road, and it was great to have that diversity across both tables,” she commented. “Our main goal at Roadies in Recovery is to help people in a 12-step programme. However, being a safe space where people can continually return has expanded organically. I had someone during the night say that we were ‘such a positive and healthy home base’ for them at the awards. They would go and find someone at another table to say hello, then come back to the Roadies in Recovery space to reset.”
Croxford noted the surprise and joy of several people on the table ending up as winners on the night, with Suzi Green walking away with Tour Manager of the Year, as well as two representatives of Britannia Row Productions – this year’s Favourite Sound Rental Company winner – also being seated at the table. “It was also such a surprise that Hannah Brodrick [Monitor Engineer of the Year] gave us a shout-out in her acceptance video,” added Croxford. “To have people at the top of their game recognising the work that we are putting in, and the importance of our community, is such a big thing for us.”
Despite the awards being a celebratory moment for the organisation, the evening was also a chance for Roadies in Recovery to reflect on some of the realities of addiction, made particularly poignant with John Bowman appearing in this year’s Absent Friends memorial. Bowman, who was a prominent figure in the industry, working for FUSE Technical Group, tragically lost his battle with addiction in late 2025. During the Roadies in Recovery panel at THE Conference at Rock Lititz in December, friend and colleague Graham Buttrey, Labour Operations Lead and Account Executive at FUSE, paid tribute to Bowman.
His express purpose was to put a ‘face to the name’ when discussing addiction and highlighting why communities such as Roadies in Recovery are so vital. Bowman thrived as a high-level crew chief and LED screen engineer. His thirty-plus-year career in live production made him a fixture on tours and broadcasts around the world. Revered for tireless work ethic, exacting standards and exceptional technical skill, he was often the go-to tech for the most demanding shows. A natural teacher and recruiter, he loved sharing his knowledge with others.
He introduced many people into the industry, including his eldest son Christian; working side-by-side on shows most recently like Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter Tour were among his proudest moments. He believed every job bore his name and accepted nothing less than perfection, a standard that placed him at the centre of complex, high-profile productions where he consistently thrived.
Bowman’s excellence was recognised by the Television Academy when he was honoured for his contributions to the Emmy-winning Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special: The Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show starring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. His last completed gig in September, the day after his 55th birthday, was history-making. Zach Bryan’s Quittin’ Time Tour at the University of Michigan’s Big House, set the US record for largest ticketed concert attendance.
Bowman’s direction, talents, mentorship, friendship, laughter and storytelling will be deeply missed on the road. At home, his love and legacy live on through his wife Meg and their five children – Christian (Kaci), Jordan (Paul), Peyton, Jackson and Brooke along with four grandchildren Teagan, Luna, Korbin and Silas.
“It is important to remember that people like John are ‘our’ people,” stated Croxford. “John was an integral member of our community, and he sadly lost his battle with addiction. Since he passed, I’ve spoken to his wife and we want to do as much as we can to ensure we don’t lose more people like John.”
To close, Croxford was pleased to say that, due to the immense generosity of all the supporters of the Sober Table, there was an excess of funds, which the Roadies in Recovery team has now paid forward to several industry charities. “We have sent money to the Roadie Clinic in America, as they started Roadies in Recovery six years ago. We have also given some money to Backup Tech, along with a donation to The Back Lounge, the online peer support group run by the aforementioned Suzi Green.”
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Croxford stated that the organisation is keen to launch a “stickers on flight cases” initiative to help spread the word about Roadies in Recovery and ensure those who might be looking for help can find it. She also encouraged anyone who would like to learn more to visit the organisation’s website. The TPi Awards looks forward to welcoming Roadies in Recovery again in 2027.
Words: Stew Hume
Photos: Roadies in Recovery
