“On the Road Again,” the new program by Live Nation is set out to financially support developing artists and their teams to deal with the growing costs of touring expenses.

Venues owned by Live Nation are expected to provide all headliners and supporting acts an extra $1,500 in gas and travel expenses per show on top of performance compensation.

Artists Keep 100% Profit Earned From Merchandise

Live Nation is also removing merchandise selling fees so artists can keep 100% profit.

On top of supporting artists, local promoters, tour representatives, and venue crew members who have worked over 500 hours this year will receive financial bonuses. The initiative is donating $5 million to Crew Nation to support crew across the industry.

Resources are taken directly from Live Nation’s existing earnings.

In support of the initiative, Willie Nelson has lent his 1980 country song as the anthem.

“Touring is important to artists so whatever we can do to help other artists, I think we should do it. This program will impact thousands of artists this year and help make touring a little bit easier,” said Nelson.

“Delivering for live artists is always our core mission,” said Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment. “The live music industry is continuing to grow and as it does, we want to do everything we can to support artists at all levels on their touring journey, especially the developing artists in clubs. As Willie says, this is all about making it a little easier for thousands of artists to continue doing what they love: going out and playing for their fans.”