Roadie 101
ROADIE 101
In the world of live entertainment, there are certain things that enhance the performance or assist the performers. REV-TV is determined to help spread this knowledge for all the aspiring musicians, roadies and even the fans. Each of the items listed below are very important and should you find yourself in a situation where you will be performing live (or helping out a band), this information is worth its weight in gold. With the exception of Roadie Rule Number One, the items are not in any particular order (other than the episode the info was orginally aired). These tips were taken from the ROADIE 101 segments on REV-TV.
ROADIE 101
Item: Band Laminate
This is the most important item on the list. EVERYONE, from the performing band members to every member on the road crew should have some type of identification stating that they are with the band. Most bands make up passes and have them on lanyards around their neck. The pass can be very simple: Band members should have the band name, their name and ALL ACCESS on the FRONT of the pass, band name & ALL ACCESS on the back.
Item: Pen & Paper
The reasons for these two items is so that you will ALWAYS be prepared should someone need the band website, a contact number, addresses, etc. Keep these items on your person whenever you are going to, are at or leaving a gig. ALWAYS have something to write with and to write on.
Item: Duct Tape & Lighter
No matter where you perform, sooner or later (usually sooner) someone is going to yell "Does anybody have any duct tape?!" This usually occurs during set up, when everyone is moving all their gear around. Duct tape is very handy, as it can be used for a multitude of purposes - and trust The Rev - you WILL need it EVERY time you play out. A lighter is also very important. Some bands (like ORDAINED) use candles on their stage. Lots of musicians smoke, so there is that too. Keep one on you at all times.
Item: Sharpie
A Sharpie is important to have so you can write up set lists, sign merchandise, mark settings on your amps, graffiti your bands logo on the bathroom wall..... the list goes on and on. Black is the most common color, however as long as you have one, the color is unimportant.
Item: Guest List
This item is a MUST if you are playing out and you expect certain people to show up. KEEP THE LIST SHORT! A rule of thumb is to not have more names (guests) on the list than people in the band. If your band has four members, the list should have four names. But wait! There is a way to get around the "one name per band member". After putting the names on your list, put + 1 after each name. Do this BEFORE you give it to the doorman or whoever is letting people in. ALWAYS have your list ready BEFOREHAND. Don't walk up to the doorman, ask for a pen & paper (you should already have these two things) and proceed to write your list in front of him. There is a reason for this. If you have it done beforehand, all you have to do is hand it to him and walk away. If not, it can turn into a BIG rigamarole - ie: "You guys can't have a list" "Don't put a bunch of people on that" "Everybody pays, no guest lists". If you have your act together and just hand them the list, 9 times out of 10 there are no issues. Also, BE SURE to put your band name at the top of the list. This is so the venue won't be confused as to who is with who. Plus, if need be you can say "Hey! We only had 4 names on our list, so don't blame us if the doorman let in six dozen people for free! Our people are listed right there."
ROADIE 101 Continued