Potential Problems While Touring
Planning Ahead for the What Ifs While On Tour
Like everything else in life, being prepared can solve a lot of problems before they happen! Know what to prepare for before hitting the road to ensure the show goes on.
Tips on booking a gig can be found here. Below is a list of potential problems that many bands do not think about until it does happen. Included are suggestions to avoid them, as well as contingency plans:
Mechanical Problems
Always leave early and only travel in road-worthy vehicles. Be sure to travel with a spare and a road emergency kit. At least one person in the band should know how to tackle basic car maintenance beforehand. Contact the show’s promoter in order to inform him or her of a late arrival, if necessary. Should a problem arise, be sure to have a cell phone on hand to call for a tow.
Also, a major credit or debit card with at least $500 available is ideal, in the event a rental is needed. Only travel with a trailer if the equipment will not fit in the van. Otherwise, only use the right sized trailer to avoid flipping, with all of the equipment packed as tightly and as securely as possible, to prevent damage to equipment. While it is ideal each member should have medical insurance, at least one member should know basic emergency procedures. A second contact list and/or itinerary sheet should be kept in the glove compartment or other secure location. Each member should also have a contact at home to help alleviate and take care of lost forms of identity.
Legal Issues
Travel as inconspicuously as possible. Demand to know each band member’s arrest record in advance, so there are no surprises if the van is pulled over. Do not travel with illegal substances, paraphernalia or weapons. To circumvent stolen equipment, travel with an itemized list of equipment with serial numbers, or at least have images of the items at home to assist in providing leads, especially in cases of customized gear. If items are stolen, posting a message to the fan base to be on the lookout for them is a good idea, and check local pawn shops and flea markets, if possible.
At the Show
It is ideal to get a performance guarantee before leaving home, in writing, even if it is only for gas money. Take a headcount of the audience, and estimate what the door sales took. If it truly was a bust night, offer to return for a highly prized slot at a future event. Remain calm, contact an attorney or the authorities if necessary, and do not threaten bodily harm, property damage, or anything that may constitute an arrest. Professional integrity must always remain intact.
Above all else, keep personal disputes private, including derogatory comments. Saying one bad thing about the wrong person can close many doors even before they were opened. Alert the promoter, venue owner, other bands at the performance, as well as the police.
