Meet the team: Key roles and their responsibilities
Here you go! I’ve compiled a list of some of the roles you can expect to see on an average tour. Not all of these positions are always filled on every tour—it really depends on their size and specific needs. But here are a few to get familiar with.
Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and many other roles contribute to the magic of a live performance.
Ready to dive in? Let's explore some of the roles that make tours happen!
Tour Manager
Oversees day-to-day operations on tour, including advancing shows, arranging transportation, coordinating with venues, and handling finances. Responsible for ensuring smooth operations and resolving any issues that arise.
Road Manager
Often used interchangeably with Tour Manager, but typically focuses on one specific band within a tour. Manages logistics and needs of that band, ensuring their requirements are met.
Assistant Tour Manager
Assists the Tour Manager with tasks such as guest lists, accounting, and media coordination. Helps manage the workload and supports various tour-related activities.
Production Manager
Focuses on the technical and production aspects of the tour. Manages crew, oversees setup and teardown of stage equipment, and ensures all technical requirements are met.
Stage Manager
Coordinates all stage-related activities, ensuring everything is organized and running smoothly. Manages load-in, setup, and load-out, and keeps performances on schedule.
Crew Chief
Also known as Department Head or Lead, oversees a specific department such as backline, audio, or lighting. Ensures department tasks are completed efficiently and resolves any issues within the team.
Head of Security
Manages personal and backstage security for the band and crew. Coordinates with venue security, handles security meetings, and ensures safety protocols are followed.
Promoter Rep
Represents the promotion company that booked the tour. Coordinates between the tour and venue, resolves issues, and ensures contractual obligations are met.
Tour Accountant
Manages all financial aspects of the tour, including tracking expenses, handling receipts, and ensuring all financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
Rigger
Responsible for setting up and maintaining rigging systems used to hang lights, sound systems, and other equipment. Ensures all rigging is safe and secure.
Set Carpenter
Builds and maintains stage sets, including risers, stairs, and other staging elements. Ensures all stage constructions are safe and meet design specifications.
Wardrobe/ Dressing Room Manager
Manages the band's wardrobe and dressing rooms. Handles costume changes, repairs, and ensures dressing rooms are comfortable and well-equipped.
Backline Tech
Maintains and sets up musical instruments and related equipment. Specializes in specific instruments like guitars, drums, or keyboards, ensuring they are performance-ready.
FOH (Front of House) Engineer
Manages the sound that the audience hears during a performance. Operates the main soundboard and adjusts audio levels to ensure optimal sound quality.
Monitor Engineer
Manages the sound that performers hear on stage. Adjusts monitor mixes and in-ear monitors to meet the performers' needs.
Lighting Director
Oversees and operates lighting during performances. Works with lighting designers and programmers to execute the planned lighting cues.
Lighting Tech
Assists the Lighting Director by setting up and maintaining lighting equipment. Handles repairs and ensures all lighting is functioning properly.
Audio Tech
An Audio Tech manages all audio equipment, including setting up and maintaining audio desks and the PA system. They also fix any audio issues that arise during soundchecks and shows, supporting the FOH and monitor engineers.
Video Director
Manages video elements of a performance, including camera feeds and video walls. Coordinates with video techs and cameramen to ensure high-quality visuals.
Video Tech
Sets up and maintains video equipment. Supports the Video Director by handling technical issues and ensuring video elements run smoothly.
SFX Tech (Special Effects Technician)
Manages non-pyro special effects like confetti cannons and CO2 jets. Ensures all effects are safe and functioning correctly.
Pyro Tech
Certified professional responsible for handling and operating pyrotechnics. Ensures all pyro effects are safe, legal, and executed correctly.
Merchandise Manager
Manages all aspects of tour merchandise, from inventory to sales. Handles accounting, reordering, and ensures merchandise is delivered on time.
VIP Manager/ Coordinator
Manages VIP experiences, including meet-and-greets and special performances. Ensures VIP guests have a positive experience and handles any issues that arise.
Bus Driver
Drives the tour bus, ensuring safe transport of the band and crew between venues. Plays a crucial role in the overall safety and comfort of the touring party.
Truck Driver
Drives the trucks that transport tour equipment. Ensures all gear is safely and efficiently moved from one venue to the next. Assists in the packing arrangement to guarantee a safe weight balance for travel.
Lead Driver
Acts as the point of contact for other drivers, plans routes, and handles logistical details related to transportation. Ensures all drivers are informed and coordinated.
Thanks for Reading.
Interested in seeing a more extensive list? Check out this YouTube video by TankTheTech.
