Life As A Roadie
Let's face it, every gig is different and so is each roadies experience. That is to say the Rolling Stones tour is hugely different than the Warp tour. Furthermore, each roadie will be more at home, at a gig that suits his or her experience level. So let us take a look at the different levels of touring.
Lately, the Vans Warp Tour has been the way in for many would be roadies. The reason is simple, there are a so many bands on that tour and most of the bands are new, so they don't have any previous crew. This offers a lot of opportunity for friends of the band (would be roadies) to go on tour. There is usually no to very low pay and the gig is also at it hardest. So, what is the gig?
The gig for most of the staff, bands, and crew is the same, SURVIVAL. Many of these bands are in 15 passenger vans, pulling a equipment trailer. That's not so bad on the East coast where shows are only 100 or so miles apart. But when you get out West the shows can be 500 miles apart. For most of these new bands there is no touring budget, that means few hotels if any. So, many of the bands and crew sleep in the Van. Even for the lucky bands traveling in buses it can be tough, many of the warp tour coaches are stuffed to the limit. But the real problem, is when you get to the parking lot or dog race track they have chosen to be the so called venue. Let's imagine that you're with one of the bands in a van pulling a trailer. Your driver who has driven through the night is going to be wasted tired. The driver might be band member or crew member, either way one of you hasn't had any sleep. Then there is the immediate need for rest rooms and a shower. But all you get is the same port a potties that the crowds use, SWEET! Then you have to go find out when you are playing on stage. For some reason they won't tell you till you arrive that day. Then you have to unload the equipment trailer and get it to the stage. Should be easy but it's not. Many times your stage can be 100 to 300 yards from where you are told to park, and there is no pavement because your in a dirt field. Now you're dragging the equipment all the way to the stage over a rocky or grassy field that the wheels on your cases are digging into and you're in Florida and it's 102 degrees. The meals that are provided are crap, one sloppy Joe, a bag of chips, and one soft drink. And some of the bands don't even get that. Roadies often miss meals because they are working and simply miss lunch. Then it's get the equipment on stage and do your 20 min. show and then try to sell some merch (I'm leaving out the specifics of the job on stage for another time). At night you try to have a party but you still have to do it again tomorrow.
On the Stones tour the gig is much more comfortable. You are getting paid a salary and per diem. Your traveling in style on a new bus with a DVD player in each bunk. The buses are stocked with drinks and food, and serve as a place to get out of the weather and rest. There is catering that is better than most roadies diet at home. Yes you get to chose the salmon or steak, or pig out and go for both. There are usually 3 to 5 pies to chose your desert from. The breakfast and lunches are just as good. There are signs all around the arena letting you know where everything is located and when show time is. You can get into a routine and really have a good time. Load in's are easy because you have in house loaders moving the equipment to where you ask them to. Your venue is the American Airlines Arena, not a dirt field. Many nights, let say every other, you have a swank 4 to 5 star Hotel. You can get plenty of rest most of the time, if you don't always party.
The good part of both tours is always the friends you make and the adventures you have. The bad part is the girlfriend or family you leave at home, and always being away. It is not for most and can be dangerous, but so are most good challenges
There are many levels of touring between the bottom (Warp tour) and the top (Stones tour) , and I've done both. Experience, knowledge, and hard work will help get you there. If you want to be a rock star leave this gig to some who want to be a roadie.
Stay positive, Stephen Ferrera-Grand
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