Touring time! These are some simple ones, maybe ones you didn't even think mattered.
1. Pack light, but bring entertainment. Boredom is always a bad thing, and when touring it can even lead to unwanted drama and fights over nothing. Have two books ready (or something else you like).
2. Use your phone wisely. Phones don't have breathalyzers (though it'd be great if they did), so think before you dial. 4am might be fine for you, but your loved ones will not be amused. Also, never make a phone call on a hotel phone: it'll cost more than the band's collective monthly wage.
3. On the subject of Wage. Think wisely, either drink or have a meal. The choice is yours.
4. Don't get left behind. I know you think you're essential, but there's always a chance that you'll get left at a hotel, venue, or even a truckstop. If you're leaving at a venue, ect. tell someone.
5. Dressing rooms aren't secure. Hide anything you don't want stolen. There's always going to be that sneaky SOB that takes your things, or a crazed fan looking for a momento. Oh, and everyone wants your booze.
6. Hotels. If you can get your sleep in your bus/van, then do it. This really goes along with the whole 'plan your budget' thing. And if you choose to stop at a Hotel, Motel….Holiday Inn, whatever, don't trash the place. It'll just add to un-needed expenses.
7. What happens on the road never stays on the road. Touring is not Las Vegas. Everything you do will, without fail, eventually get back home. If you cheat, your friends will know - and if one of them likes your mistake, he could take this as an invitation to sleep with her.
8. Always be nice to the crew. Band come and go, but the crew will go on forever. Some of them will still be there on your way up and there on your way down. You're at their mercy when you're on stage.
9. Don't complain. This is a difficult one. Everyone will eventually drive everyone crazy, but you'll be the first if you start moaning about how cramped you are from sleeping on a guitar case, how bad the food is, ect. The only things that seem to be okay to complain about is the fact that there was't enough alcohol. Otherwise, keep it to yourself. Touring is like being in a marriage with people you don't (usually) have sex with. The way to deal with tensions is to creatively express your hostility through pranks (harmless ones of course).
More touring tips too come!
1. Pack light, but bring entertainment. Boredom is always a bad thing, and when touring it can even lead to unwanted drama and fights over nothing. Have two books ready (or something else you like).
2. Use your phone wisely. Phones don't have breathalyzers (though it'd be great if they did), so think before you dial. 4am might be fine for you, but your loved ones will not be amused. Also, never make a phone call on a hotel phone: it'll cost more than the band's collective monthly wage.
3. On the subject of Wage. Think wisely, either drink or have a meal. The choice is yours.
4. Don't get left behind. I know you think you're essential, but there's always a chance that you'll get left at a hotel, venue, or even a truckstop. If you're leaving at a venue, ect. tell someone.
5. Dressing rooms aren't secure. Hide anything you don't want stolen. There's always going to be that sneaky SOB that takes your things, or a crazed fan looking for a momento. Oh, and everyone wants your booze.
6. Hotels. If you can get your sleep in your bus/van, then do it. This really goes along with the whole 'plan your budget' thing. And if you choose to stop at a Hotel, Motel….Holiday Inn, whatever, don't trash the place. It'll just add to un-needed expenses.
7. What happens on the road never stays on the road. Touring is not Las Vegas. Everything you do will, without fail, eventually get back home. If you cheat, your friends will know - and if one of them likes your mistake, he could take this as an invitation to sleep with her.
8. Always be nice to the crew. Band come and go, but the crew will go on forever. Some of them will still be there on your way up and there on your way down. You're at their mercy when you're on stage.
9. Don't complain. This is a difficult one. Everyone will eventually drive everyone crazy, but you'll be the first if you start moaning about how cramped you are from sleeping on a guitar case, how bad the food is, ect. The only things that seem to be okay to complain about is the fact that there was't enough alcohol. Otherwise, keep it to yourself. Touring is like being in a marriage with people you don't (usually) have sex with. The way to deal with tensions is to creatively express your hostility through pranks (harmless ones of course).
More touring tips too come!