On Friday, September 26, Audacy’s We Can Survive returned to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, sponsored by the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), for a night where music met meaning.
Now in its 12th year, the annual benefit concert once again sold out the iconic arena, uniting thousands of fans under a shared cause: supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
The We Can Survive concert is a centerpiece of Audacy’s year-round mental health initiative, I’m Listening, which encourages open conversations around mental well-being and connects audiences to resources and support. Every ticket purchased, every song performed, and every moment shared at the event contributes to AFSP’s critical work, which funds research, provides education, and supports those who are affected by suicide loss.
This year’s star-studded lineup featured Ed Sheeran, the Goo Goo Dolls, Shaboozey, and Alex Warren. They each brought their own unique energy to the stage and ultimately helped raise both funds and awareness for a cause that touches countless lives.
The evening kicked off with Shaboozey, who burst onto the stage with swagger and soul, decked in a cowboy hat and big silver jewelry. Known for his genre-blending sound that merges country, hip-hop, and alternative influences, the Virginia native had the crowd instantly on their feet.
Then joined Alex Warren, a breakout singer-songwriter who has gained recognition not only for his music but also for his openness about his mental health journey, especially on TikTok. His first arena show, Warren delivered an emotionally raw set that resonated deeply with the audience. His vulnerable lyrics and conversational performance style brought an intimate tone to the arena, a very fitting opening for a night centered on mental resilience.
Next, veteran rockers Goo Goo Dolls took the stage to roaring applause, bringing with them decades of hits and emotional weight. Their performance served as a bridge between generations in the audience with some reliving high school memories and others discovering the band for the first time. Later in the set, the band performed fan-favorite “Iris” later in the set, which had every phone flashlight glowing and thousands of voices echoing back the chorus in unison. The band’s set was a testament to the healing power of familiar songs and shared emotional experiences.
To close the night, Ed Sheeran delivered a headlining set that proved exactly why he’s one of the world’s most beloved artists. Performing solo with just his loop pedal and guitar, Sheeran created an atmosphere of both intimacy and grandeur. It was the perfect end to the night with such incredible artists who preceded and matched the night’s theme of strength through vulnerability so perfectly.
Proceeds from the event directly support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which uses the funding to expand research, build educational programming, and provide outreach to individuals and families affected by suicide. Audacy’s We Can Survive continues to be more than just a concert. It’s a platform, a movement, and a lifeline; ultimately a place where music meets mental health, and where people are reminded that there’s always someone listening.
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