Tips for going on tour

tom once dead · #1 08-25-2009, 10:32 PM

there is a 90% chance my band will be doing a tour down the coast of the state at the end of the year. As the tour is completely organised by the bands, each band will have to pay a share in the costs (venue hire etc), but then all door money is split througout the bands.

Because I'm a bit short on cash, and new to touring; What are some helpful tips for saving money and enjoying the tour as much as possible.

RobertPaulson · #2 08-25-2009, 10:37 PM

don't eat crap food (fast food) you'll feel like hell after a couple days. PB+J and a loaf of bread is your friend and good for at least 1 meal a day

. Usually you can find someone who's at the show who will let you crash at their place, that can save a lot of money on hotels.

DudeWheresMy182 · #3 08-25-2009, 10:38 PM

if driving most of the time, and not having an opportunity to shower, baby wipes come in handy. make sure everything is locked and being watched/taken care of (too many trailers are getting busted in to). Fast food will be your new best friend. Bring extra everything, like strings, picks, etc.

im sure many peeps will add more

Greevus · #4 08-25-2009, 10:45 PM

Right on, buy real food at the grocery store. Let fans buy you drinks and drugs. Learn to sleep in the car, on gear, in a club. Anywhere you can. Make sure the driver is trustworthy. Make sure the transpo is in good enough shape. Sleeping at fans' houses is good too. However, if you have to, find a safe place and sleep in the car or in a hotel parking lot. If you get up early enough, find a good continental buffet and go in like you are staying there and eat up. Take vitamins and drink water. Find a couple of chicks and have a threesome. Two heads are better than one.

tom once dead · #5 08-25-2009, 10:45 PM

haha, so Fast food is bad. But its my best friend... The guitarist from my band likes to eat healthy so we will probably have some kind of good food with us.

I should probably add, we will be with 3 other bands, playing hired out halls or similar places.

speedkills · #6 08-25-2009, 10:49 PM

BABYWIPES!!

Andrew Jones · #7 08-25-2009, 11:11 PM

I'm a coffee guy,,,road coffee is piss....

I stay prepared. French Press pre Ground coffee and thermos!!!

Aj

SKATE RAT · #8 08-25-2009, 11:11 PM

bring a flashlight.

groooooove · #9 08-25-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedkills

BABYWIPES!!

a few weeks worth of showers in a box

avoid fast food, +1 to that.

drasticDUB · #10 08-25-2009, 11:46 PM

socks. bring a fresh package of new socks.
trust me, you can not wash for a week, but if you have clean socks, your gonna feel a ton better.

tom once dead · #11 08-26-2009, 12:11 AM

Thanks for all the advice

We will most likely be staying in Hotels, or if we can book out 3 or 4 backpackers rooms where there are usually 4 or 5 beds, with a coin laundry kitchen etc. and SHOWERS.

Also I was wondering if I should take a second bass, even though I need a 5 and my spector is a 4, just in case?

bobknowsbass · #12 08-26-2009, 12:27 AM

Every little town in middle America has a Super Wal-Mart with a Subway in it. This place is your best friend and the only thing that won't slowly kill you as go through the van drudgery.
Bring whatever you need to sleep. Pills, sleeping bag, jazz c.d's, whatever. Just sleep whenever possible.
laundry is luxury, get it done and make it a top priority when available.
DON'T BITCH, be the stoic bassist no matter what the situation is.
Use a condom

Have fun, but don't lose focus of your job.

tom once dead · #13 08-26-2009, 01:05 AM

each city we will play will have a large variety of food.

For any Aussies, we are starting In Cairns, Townsville, Macky/Airle Beach, Rockhampton, Sunny coast, and possibly two brisbane shows.

bobTHEbasser · #14 08-26-2009, 03:48 PM

+1000000 on the baby wipes. Tp is the next item on the list. Sanex deodourant/anti p is excellent. DON'T forget spare strings!! Might sound silly but wait until you pull into a town at 9pm and need to find a 24hr guitar store.

RTL · #15 08-26-2009, 03:50 PM

Try to keep $100 cash on you at all times. You'd be surprised at how many places still won't take a debit/credit card.

psycholalia · #16 08-26-2009, 03:54 PM

Ear plugs! For when you want to sleep and for bands whose acts got tiresome five shows ago.

countrybassist · #17 08-26-2009, 03:59 PM

Have a custom road case built to specifically hold your bottles of whiskey. Really, a bro in Nashville built one for us.

SoLongJake · #18 08-26-2009, 04:00 PM

tint the windows on your van, as dark as you can.

wlittle · #19 08-26-2009, 04:06 PM

Don't laugh, but we bring 2 ice chests, a coleman camping stove, and a wok. We eat better than in most restaurants, and we feed four of us for under 100 a week. Don't by beer at the clubs. That is they best way to drain your funds. 3 bucks for a Lone Star. Come on!!! We get one room and 2 cots and pack em in! ON a budget Baby!

Armbruster · #20 08-26-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlittle

Don't laugh, but we bring 2 ice chests, a coleman camping stove, and a wok. We eat better than in most restaurants, and we feed four of us for under 100 a week. Don't by beer at the clubs. That is they best way to drain your funds. 3 bucks for a Lone Star. Come on!!! We get one room and 2 cots and pack em in! ON a budget Baby!

+100000!

Bring your own stuff. Lots of burgers, a grill, and a wok, and you're on your way.

Get cookin'!