The Influence of Playing Metal Music on Health: A Retrospective Analysis of Interviews With Metal and Rock Musicians
Céleste Rousseau, Margaux Dacquin, Christoff Zalpour, Dirk Möller, Corentin CharbonnierIntroduction
Performing music, and particularly metal and rock music, is a highly demanding activity, both physically and mentally. Although musicians are known to be prone to playing-related injuries, the health of metal and rock musicians remains scarcely investigated. This qualitative study aimed to explore metal musicians’ perceptions of their own health in relation to their practice of metal music, based on the content analysis of the first season of
Methods
Seventeen podcast episodes were transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative approach, inspired by interpretative phenomenological analysis. This process led to the identification of main and secondary themes, several subthemes, and the development of an explanatory model.
Results
Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (a) benefits of performing, (b) performance intensity, (c) factors influencing performance, and (d) preparation for performance. These themes comprised nineteen secondary subthemes, including the physical and mental components of musical performance, specific preparation strategies, and daily life habits.
Discussion
This qualitative analysis highlights several issues related to music performance, which is perceived by musicians as both a positive experience and a potentially traumatic and physically demanding activity. Further studies are needed to investigate in greater depth how tours are organized and to explore strategies that could improve musicians’ health during touring.