Touring the USA vs. Europe: What Every Roadie Should Know
So I’m just undergoing my first tour in the U.S., and it’s a whole different experience from touring in the UK or Europe. If you're about to head out on your first U.S. tour or just curious about what it's like, this blog is for you. From strict union rules and state laws to unexpected kindness from venues, there are plenty of surprises that you won’t see coming until you're in the thick of it.
I’m sharing what I learned to help you navigate these quirks and feel more prepared.
Whether you’re about to start your tour or just thinking about it, keep reading for some helpful insights!
Unions? What are Unions?:
Touring the United States has its own unique challenges, and some of them you won’t fully grasp until you’re right in the middle of it. One of the biggest surprises, especially if you’re used to touring the UK or Europe, is dealing with unions. More specifically, these are trade unions that represent the local crew. This will seem like a blast from the past for some people from the UK who are old enough. Margaret thatcher got rid of a lot of these in the UK in 1979. Because of these unions, you will find that there is a lot of structure to the way they operate.
The rules can be strict, and if you’re not familiar, they can throw you off a bit. For example, you sometimes can’t set foot on the stage floor until the designated local crew members arrive, or until a specific time.
Also, you can experience clear boundaries when it comes to what crew about willing to do and what they’re not willing to do. If they’re assigned to lighting at the beginning of the day, they won’t be lifting a finger for any other department. They will only assist the department that they were assigned to at the beginning of the day.
They can also have specifically designated breaks, and these breaks can even be enforced for all crew, including you, for the specific time.
Also, it’s good to find out what the rules are surrounding the handling of equipment. Typically, the local crew are responsible for moving all equipment, and they take this very seriously. If you step in to move something yourself, it can cause frustration, as the crew is there to handle those tasks. It’s a good idea to let them do their job and respect the boundaries in place - you'll find everything runs smoother that way.
There are even separate crews for venue-owned equipment, like stairs for a rented stage, or for pushing gear and packing it into the trucks. These kinds of rules just don’t exist in the UK or most of Europe, but in the U.S., you’re in their venue and their country. The flip side is that, despite the red tape, the professionalism and work ethic can be top-notch, leading to smooth load-ins and quick load-outs.
Laws, customs and culture:
Then there are the state laws that can catch you off guard, especially on days off. In Europe, laws don’t shift much when crossing borders, but in the U.S., moving from one state to another can mean completely different rules. Some states strictly enforce jaywalking, something not really adopted in the EU, while others might not care. Things like tipping, how you pay for items, or figuring out which areas of major cities are safe can be tricky at first.
Arena Venues:
Something that pleasantly surprised me was just how welcoming some arena venues can be. Even though they deal with countless tours, many are incredibly accommodating. Sometimes they’ll even gift branded merch or offer cases filled with travel essentials, just small touches that can be really helpful when you’re on the road. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, we’re all there to put on a great show and enjoy the experience.
Friendliness:
One last thing: in the U.S., people love to strike up small talk. You’ll be asked, "How’s your day going?" more times than you can count - whether you’re in an lift or passing by in a hallway. It’s friendly and welcoming, but if you’re used to the more reserved, blunt approach of English folks, it can take some getting used to. It’s all part of the charm of touring in the U.S. though, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself adjusting to the rhythm of it all.
Touring the U.S. comes with its own set of challenges and quirks, from union rules and varying state laws to unexpected friendliness and hospitality. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’re used to the way things are done in the UK or Europe, but with time, you adapt.
You’ll learn to navigate the nuances, appreciate the professionalism, and maybe even enjoy the small talk. At the end of the day, it’s all part of the adventure, and each tour makes you a little more prepared for the next.
