Roadies

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You need a good roadie. The roadie is basically a person who is not in the band who comes along and helps you along. On a big band 's tour, with lots of money, this is a salaried position, and there are several or many of them. There are also a separate salaried driver, guitar tech, drum tech, road manager (person who asks for the money at the end of the night and deals with moment-to-moment logistics, "finding mandolin strings," and so on) as well as probably a cook, nutritionist, personal trainer, and even a masseuse.

On your first no-budget tour, this will often all fall on one personthe roadie. You want someone who can drive, stay sane, lift and even fix equipment and the engine on the van, as well as perform the duties of bodyguard and psychologist . Choose this person wisely. She can be either a great help or a big drag.

NOTE

If you are sober and the people in your band aren't, it might be a good idea to bring a sober roadie. Then you won't feel totally alone in your sobriety. It's not hard to find sober folks who would love to go on tour. A lot of times when people get sober, they don't really have a clear image right away of what to do with their lives.

Even if you do drink, a sober (or relatively sober) roadie ain't a bad idea. At least as a designated driver.

On your first tour, the roadie is not on salary and is probably paid the same per diem as the band members . But don't treat her like a slave. She ain't. She is your friend and your peer. She can make or break your tour.

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