Behind the Curtain – July ’13

Sun up to sun down, Tour Managers are always looking one step ahead.

When bringing a musical act to your convention, trade show or other corporate event, you’ll work closely with several members of the band’s management team, including the Tour Manager.

As the title suggests, TMs are responsible for managing the tour, or the one-off date you are hosting if the band is not in the middle of a city-to-city tour. TMs keep everything on time and in order. They are logistic experts, well-organized, good negotiators, and can work with a firm hand – while still remaining gracious to their hosts.

Not to be confused with the Production Manager (who handles all elements on-stage and backstage), the tour manager is responsible for everything that takes place off the stage. That list includes, but is not limited to:

• developing the master plan while a band is on the road: where, when, how, and who will be involved with a concert or tour

• arranging all band and crew travel and accommodations

• movement of the artist and crew from point to point within a city and at the venue, including any local security personnel that may be involved

• working directly with the promoter or event organizer on all fine tuning that is required as the show draws nearer, and once the band has arrived at your event

• overseeing any Meet & Greets or other VIP experiences which the promoter may have requested during the contract negotiation phase

• coordinating financial matters related to buy-outs, and collecting the balance of the talent fee payment

• representing the act’s Personal Manager, serving as the ultimate authority on the road when problems arise with a venue or promoter

While this job may not sound overly challenging, part of the job is akin to herding cats. Because most bands travel with an entourage of 20 or more, keeping each person on schedule and in place requires planning, communication, and the ability to improvise when something goes wrong.

Tour managers typically are the last to go to sleep and the first to wake. It’s one of the most challenging jobs in the music industry.