The Road Less Glamorous: The Hard Truths of Life on tour
Embarking on a tour isn't just about the glitz and glamour of stage life; it's about navigating the nitty-gritty challenges that come with it. Lets peel back the curtain on the less glamorous aspects of tour life, sharing insights from the perspective of a set carpenter.
From enduring endless bus rides to grappling with homesickness and the delicate dance of balancing work and downtime, we'll delve into the realities that often go unnoticed. So buckle up, fellow roadies, as we explore the highs, lows, and everything in between of life on tour.
1. Constant Travel: Stuck on a Bus for the Day
Ah, the dreaded long-haul tour bus rides – definitely not my favourite part of the gig. Spending endless hours cooped up on the bus, even after waking up late, can really test your sanity. Sure, there's entertainment like PlayStation and gadgets, but cabin fever kicks in sooner or later.
Ideally, tour organizers try to minimize these marathon trips, but sometimes you're stuck with them. It's all about finding a survival routine. Personally, I try to catch up on sleep in my bunk for as long as possible. When hunger strikes, I'll venture out for a meal and connect with others. Maybe find a cozy spot by a window if we're lucky to have one and break up the day with different tasks. Gotta make the best of it, right?
2. Schedules: Too much time, Not enough time
Ah, the eternal struggle of tour life – the balance between work and downtime. Whether you're blessed with a few scattered days off or a string of consecutive breaks, it can mess with your rhythm. At first, those free days are a godsend, but after a while, they can start to feel like a drag.
You're either wishing for more time to relax or praying for things to pick up pace. Too many days off can leave you feeling antsy, itching to get back to work. Suddenly, you find yourself scrambling to fill the hours, exploring new hobbies or picking up roadie tricks to pass the time.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a good day off, but when they stretch on for months in unfamiliar places, it can start to wear you down. Too much free time can make the tour feel like it's dragging on forever. Finding that balance between work and play is key to keeping your sanity intact on the road.
3. Missing Home: Coping with Homesickness and Longing
Ah, the old homesickness bug – it tends to sneak up on you, especially at the start of a tour after some time off. But once you settle into the groove, things tend to smooth out.
Mid-tour blues can hit harder if you've got stuff brewing back home, especially if you're juggling family matters. Feeling powerless to fix things from afar can be tough, especially for those with loved ones waiting back home.
It's all about finding that balance. Luckily, having a solid crew of roadies to lean on can make all the difference. They've got your back, offering support, advice, and a listening ear when you need it most. After all, we're in this together!
Pro tip #1: I've often noticed that, oddly enough, your truck driver can to be the wise sage of the group, with a wealth of experience and advice to share. Though, of course, that's not always the case.
4. Family and Personal Relationships: Nurturing Connections from Afar
After your first few tours, you might notice a shift in your social scene back home. It's not uncommon to feel a bit left out, as friends and family might not reach out as much, assuming you're busy with tour life, or have got used to assuming you’re busy. It can sting at first, but don't take it to heart.
To get back in the groove, take the initiative to make plans and reach out to folks. Understand that everyone's got their own stuff going on, and they might not realize you're back. Keep inviting people out, catching up with different crowds, and before you know it, you'll be back in the swing of things. Just remember, it's not personal – life gets busy, and calendars don't always sync up.
5. Tour Fatigue: Balancing Physical and Mental Wellbeing
While it's not the top concern for roadies nowadays, I can't help but think gout should be more of a threat. Tour catering serves up some of the tastiest food you'll ever feast on, often beating what you whip up at home. It's a feast for every meal, which can pack on the pounds, especially for stage builders like us.
Sure, if you're hauling heavy gear all day, the pounds might melt off. But for others, it's about finding balance – maybe skip dessert now and then. Still, the food is amazing, and the catering crew? Some of the friendliest faces you'll meet on tour.
But…
As we close this tour diary, it's clear that life on the road isn't always glamorous. From long bus rides to homesickness and balancing work with downtime, we've seen the less shiny side.
But through it all, camaraderie among stage builders and roadies keeps us going. Let's cherish the memories and bonds formed, knowing they're what truly make the journey unforgettable.
