5 Things Roadies Are Divided On: The Big Tour Debates
Welcome to the world of touring, where roadies often find themselves navigating a maze of differing opinions and unwritten rules.
From debates over the speed of load-ins and crew treatment styles to negotiation tactics and the power dynamics of headlining, each tour brings its unique challenges and perspectives. There's also the question of when personal time begins on show days, once the setup is complete.
These discussions vary widely among roadies, with no definitive right or wrong answers. In this blog, we'll explore these common debates, offering insights without taking sides.
1. What should the work pace be:
One thing you'll notice roadies often debate is how fast you should get things done. Some folks swear by the "faster the better" approach for load-ins and load-outs, arguing that it gets you ready for those times when speed is absolutely key.
Plus, it can help you dodge the chaos when everyone's trying to pack up at once. With load-ins, you're usually working against the clock, so being efficient is pretty important. But then there are others who think it's perfectly fine to take it slow and steady, especially since you're working all day. They say there's no need to rush and burn yourself out. It's a pretty common discussion among the crew, and everyone has their own take on it.
It's a challenging debate: those who prefer working quickly often get frustrated with a slow-paced load-in, while those who like a slower pace push back against a fast-paced load-in.
2. Treatment of crew
The difference in this approach often comes down to two main factors: where you're from and how long you've been in the industry. Some folks who have been in the game for a long time might have a stricter attitude when managing local crews.
This style contrasts with a more laid-back approach that newer people in the industry tend to favour. It also depends on the country you're working in. Some places lean towards a stricter attitude, while others are more relaxed.
This is influenced by cultural differences and the varying levels of professionalism expected from local crews in different regions. It's all about adapting to the environment you're in and finding a balance that works for you and your team. We are all human beings in the end, and deserve to be treated with respect.
3. Knowing Your Limits: What You Can and Cannot Ask For in Negotiations
I've heard countless stories from roadies which Include them threatening to leave a show or tour if they don't get what they want. But if you ask, how many tours they've left. Usually the answer is a lot less than is implied.
The reality is, when you're out of work and looking for your next tour, you have very little negotiation power. But when you're in the middle of a tour and you've nailed down your role, that's when you have the leverage to negotiate for more. The debate lies in what you can and cannot ask for or expect on a tour.
Everyone has their own expectations on tour; some are reasonable, others can be a bit much. Some people demand having their own hotel room on their days off. While others are happy just staying on a tour bus or even sharing a hotel room with other roadies. Some people will demand business or first class plane travel for long haul journeys, whilst others will only ask for economy or premium economy.
We all have different jobs. We're all freelance. We all manage our own businesses. So it's entirely down to the individual for what they request when they tour. We also all have different leverage which will influence what we can and cannot ask for. There is no right or wrong answer to this. You just have to do what feels right for you.
4. Mindset and Influence as a Headliner
This one is tricky. Generally, if you're headlining a festival or venue, the general opinion is you have more power and influence than the supporting acts. The event promoters are likely using your band's name to draw in the crowd, giving you a bit more leverage. This means you might have more freedom to ask for and get what you want. However, it all boils down to negotiation—knowing when to push and when to hold back.
Being a headliner can sometimes involve asserting that you can't do the show without certain needs being met, but it's crucial to approach these situations thoughtfully. Going in guns blazing might not always be the best strategy, though sometimes it may feel necessary. For example, if you arrive at a festival and there's limited space for your equipment, do you demand that the support acts minimize their footprint or move their gear? Or do you adapt and find a spot wherever you can?
Apart from safety concerns, where you should always advocate for the well-being of your crew and act, it's a balancing act of deciding what's reasonable to ask for as a headliner.
Some people like to keep in mind that they're not always going to be touring with the same band or always be the headliner. You might find yourself returning to a festival a few years later with the same stage manager and similar crew, and they'll remember how you behaved when you were the headliner.
Its points like those mentioned above, which make this area debatable.
5. When is it okay to take personal time and when should you always be available for work?
This isn't about your designated days off, which are clearly yours to enjoy. It's more about the in-between time on show days. Once you've completed the load-in and everything is set up for the show, is that time between tasks considered your personal time to use as you wish, or should you stay on call?
Most would agree that if there's work to be done, it takes priority. But when you've finished your tasks, opinions vary. Is it okay to take a nap in your bunk? or should you always have your radio on and be within walking distance of the stage or production office? Can you leave the site, or should you stay close in case you're needed? The answer to these questions can depend on the specific tour, how far you’re into the tour, and personal preferences. It's a debatable topic with different views and variables that impact when you should always be available and when you can truly relax.
Brilliant, thanks for reading!
What are your thoughts? Do you prefer a fast load-in or a slower pace? Are you the type to head off-site once the setup is done, or do you stick around on stage? Perhaps this blog has shifted your perspective. Either way, I hope you have an awesome tour!
