Down Time on Tour: How Crew Spend the Hours Between Load-In and Load-Out
Touring life isn't all about the spotlight - there’s a lot of downtime between load-in and load-out that you’ll need to manage wisely.
From catching up on sleep and exploring venues to fine-tuning equipment or squeezing in a workout, how you spend these hours can shape your tour experience. And don’t forget the everyday tasks like laundry and errands that still need attention on the road.
In this blog, we’ll dive into how crew members make the most of their downtime while touring. Read on to get some tips and insights!
1. Catching up on Sleep: Rest and Recharge
Sleep is always a top priority on tour, though how much you need depends on the schedule and demands of the gig. If you’re up early and working hard to get everything set up for load-in, catching some rest becomes crucial.
On tours where the workload is lighter, sleep is still important but might not take up all your downtime. For example, during a festival where you’re headlining, you’ll likely load in early and perform late, giving you plenty of free time in between. In this case, you’ll probably grab some sleep, but it’s unlikely you’ll sleep the entire time.
Ultimately, how much rest you get depends on the specific demands of the tour.
2. Exploring the Venue: Getting to Know the Layout
When you're on the festival circuit, your downtime often takes on a different vibe compared to regular venue touring. Unlike a fixed venue where exploring opportunities are minimal, festivals offer a bit more to explore. Whether you’re a music lover who wants to soak up all the performances, or you’re not too thrilled with the catering options backstage - festival food stalls can be a tempting alternative.
On the flip side, not everyone is eager to dive into the festival experience. Some crew members prefer to stay behind the scenes, away from the crowds, and just relax until it's time to get back to work. It all depends on your personal preference and how you like to spend your time on the road.
3. Prepping for the Show: Fine-Tuning Equipment and Gear
Sometimes, you might not get any downtime at all, depending on your role. Some departments spend the day fine-tuning equipment to match each venue’s specific needs, repairing gear, or even brainstorming ways to streamline load-ins and load-outs.
You could end up working with your equipment all day long, leaving little to no time for rest or relaxation between shows. Every department is different—some have short, intense bursts of work followed by downtime, while others maintain a steady pace throughout the day. It’s all part of the job, and knowing what to expect can help you manage your time and energy more effectively.
4. Fitness on the Road: How to Squeeze in a Workout
Sometimes referred to as the "running club," there's a group on tour who use their free time to stay fit, whether it's running, hitting the gym (unlikely during a work day), or doing some other form of exercise. This is actually a really smart move for maintaining your mental well-being on tour, no matter how long you've been at it.
Being away from family and friends for extended periods, dealing with the repetitive nature of the job, not having much control over your diet, and the stress that comes with the responsibilities of the work can all take a toll. The benefits of regular exercise can help counteract these negatives, keeping your mind clearer and your mood steadier throughout the tour. Some departments have the flexibility to squeeze in a workout, while others might not. And if you're in a physically demanding role, you might not feel the need for extra exercise during free time.
But, staying active is a great way to keep anxiety and even depression at bay while you're on the road.
5. Hobbies and Pastimes: What Crew Do to Pass the Time
Not every bit of free time on tour has to be spent doing something productive. Sometimes, it's perfectly fine to just kick back and relax with a hobby.
Of course, your options are a bit limited by what you can do on a tour bus or on a flight and what you can realistically bring along. Gaming is a popular choice since it’s easy to pack a gaming laptop or handheld device. Others prefer reading, writing, or even editing videos or photography. It really varies from person to person, but having a hobby that you can easily pick up on the road is a great way to pass the time and keep yourself entertained.
Plus, it’s a nice break from the usual grind.
6. Managing Personal Tasks: Laundry, Errands, and More
Even in the world of rock 'n' roll, there are still those mundane tasks that need to get done.
Laundry on the road, is one of them. You might find yourself hoping that the next festival has a laundry service or that the next venue has a runner who can help you out. Then there's the business side of things - whether it’s keeping up with accounting, handling marketing tasks, or prepping for future work after the tour ends, there’s always something that needs attention.
Sometimes, the tour itself demands prep work for upcoming shows or venues, which can eat into what little free time you have. It’s not all glamorous, but it’s part of the job. So, be prepared to spend some of your downtime on these necessary but not-so-exciting tasks.
And there you have it.
The crazy and exciting life of touring.
