Rise Above Fest

Rise Above Fest is a music and mental health awareness initiative founded by the rock band Seether in 2012 to promote suicide prevention and raise awareness of mental illness. Its name comes from Seether’s song “Rise Above This,” and the festival was created in memory of Eugene Welgemoed, brother of frontman Shaun Morgan. The event brings together live music and a message of support, with past headliners including Slash, Godsmack, Avenged Sevenfold, and Papa Roach.

Over time, Rise Above has grown beyond its original festival, extending its presence to other music events around the world. Its activities have included on-site awareness activations and a dedicated Rise Above Stage at the Exit 111 Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. The initiative also partnered with Nashville’s Fat Bottom Brewing to create Alain’s Ardent Ale, a beer honoring Morgan’s brother that debuted at Exit 111. Rise Above works with SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) and supports charitable efforts focused on suicide prevention and recovery. The organization also shares crisis resources for people seeking help.