One of HeartSupport’s first fan-powered Support Wall takes flight in Minneapolis
In 2026, communities of fans have the opportunity to bring Support Walls to their own local communities through fundraising and coordinating their own chapters dedicated to healing the scene locally. Minneapolis was one of the first chapters to activate in their community through a two-day event called Riverfront Revolt.
Riverfront Revolt touted a powerhouse lineup including Sick Puppies, Lit, 311, Nonpoint, Amira Elfeky, Of Mice & Men, and Chevelle.
“Thank you La Crosse Center for allowing us to activate!” the chapter shouted out the venue.
The fan-led activation held all of the elements that have characterized Support Wall activations for years: the recognizable wall was inflated, holding spaces for tiles. Those tiles allowed fans to both open up about their own struggles and respond to the struggles of others anonymously.
“I am failing my classes and I am super burnt out,” one card confessed.
“I worry that my kids don’t know how much I love them.”
“Our 14-year-old daughter is struggling with her identity and self-worth. She sometimes cuts, and it breaks my heart to know she’s dealing with such heavy issues and depression.”
Every one of these people who opened up received an outpouring of support on the gray tiles below their original confessions. The chapter leader shared, “The bravery and honesty from our fans takes my breath away! Thank you all for sharing with us. We love you!”
One very special moment of vulnerability proved that healing the scene truly involves everyone: music listeners, musicians themselves, fans, and the bands creating the music that unites them.
“I feel as though I’m different and don’t belong in most cases beside home,” Nonpoint fan Madison wrote on her tile.
Rasheed Thomas, who plays guitar in Nonpoint, chose to personally stop by the table between bands’ sets. He chose to write a response to Madison.
Not long after, Madison stopped by the table and found that the band member had responded to her tile, offering solidarity and support — proving that there truly is no divide between the crowd and the stage when it comes to human struggles and a need for connection.
“Know that being different is a positive thing,” Rasheed wrote. “Right now, you might feel like you are alone, but I know there are more like you out there. Look for friends with your same interests. You’ll find your group and your way.”
The Minneapolis Team Leader watched the exchange in awe. “Madison was brave enough to not only ask for support on the wall, but also to allow us to share her story. Rasheed Thomas from Nonpoint wrote a response to her tile. Madison got meet Rasheed shortly after. A true full circle moment for a fan, we are so proud of Madison for her bravery! A huge thank you to Rasheed!”
Moments like this are an example of how HeartSupport’s peer-led mental health support impact can be infinitely amplified by local teams who choose to show up in powerful ways and places. One more fan who opened up summed up beautifully the heartache and the hope that comes from living authentically in hard places:
“My best friend lost his life today, last year. I remember thinking I wouldn’t be able to move on, struggling with constant depression and grief. He struggled with his mental health all the time, and when he started getting better, working on himself, he passed. I was in denial for so long and it held me back from opportunities he wouldn’t want me to miss. All the times I considered ending things or going back on a promise to to be OK, to be alive, a force stopped me. I thought, what if my death does this to someone I love. I couldn’t bear it. So I stayed clean, I bettered myself. I still struggle, but him and the world taught me: don’t place a period where there’s a comma. There’s always a better way, a new day, someone loves you, always. You can do it!”
Are you ready to get started on bringing a Support Wall to your local venue or community the way this team in Minneapolis has? Get started!
