Compendium of Heavy Metal

So You Wanna Be A Tour Band Manager?   by McNally Smith

Interested in being a band tour manager? Read advice for current band managers.
1. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons
When you’re on the road for 265 days out of the year even the smallest thing can set you off, just remember why you are there, for the music; picture the fan who has been waiting to hear their favorite band live, remember your first concert and how that made you feel. If you’re doing what you love, you can handle the stressful times better.
2. Be open to all music.
Until you make a name for yourself in a certain genre, and even sometimes after that, you take the jobs you can. In the touring industry there are rarely job postings, most of the gigs you do get will be from word-of-mouth connections you make a long the way. You have to keep an open mind as in the beginning stages you could be working for a heavy metal band and then go straight into an atmosphere of rap or country.
3. Look for any open door.
Something may not seem like the best job in the world but in the end could get you where you want to be. Think working security at a local club, think again. You’ll never know who you will meet there.
4. Communication is key.
Band promoters can be your best friends or your worst nightmares, but in the end of it all they are the reason you are there, they are paying you, they are the reason you have a job. If you go in blazing fire things don’t always get done, you must have a balance between getting things done and making friends. Giving people the respect they deserve is key.
5. You are the scapegoat, don’t take it personal.
When something goes bad, it’s all the tour manager’s fault, and when something goes good you will never get the credit.
6. Nothing is below you.
As the tour manager your job is to make sure the tour goes smooth, if your lead singer wants a carton of Camel Lights or he won’t get on stage then you are the one out looking for a carton of Camel Lights
7. You make friends for life.
You meet people along the way that you will never forget, it’s a community of “road warriors” that are always there to lend a hand, share a story, or spread the word.

About the Author

McNally Smith Music College offers various performance degree instruction programs. Receive new music instruction from a top guitar school, bass guitar school, and vocal school. Formerly Music Tech, located in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Manowar – Heart of Steel

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