Touring....Ups and downs

punkbassistfc · #1 10-01-2007, 01:06 PM

Hey guys,

My band is going on a pretty long tour next year to Japan, and America. I just want to know what people's best and worst experiences with touring are? What traps should we not fall in etc.

Thanks heaps

Lazylion · #2 10-03-2007, 01:36 PM

Don't drink the water.

Geddyfleaharris · #3 10-04-2007, 02:05 PM

Keep your pickle wrapped no matter how drunk you are.

Joeykun · #4 10-04-2007, 02:08 PM

Try the Sushi!

jgroh · #5 10-05-2007, 08:15 AM

You know, so far all of the responses have been dead on!

jomahu · #6 10-05-2007, 10:01 AM

get some sleep.

mcdonald's is not your friend.

DWBass · #7 10-05-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomahu

get some sleep.

mcdonald's is not your friend.

Word!

+1 re: the water! buy bottled. Lay off all vices. Be very aware of your surroundings.

alfredpunkjazz · #8 10-06-2007, 02:47 AM

lots of those latex friends......... hehehehe

trevcda · #9 10-06-2007, 03:57 AM

For god's sake always gate check your bass! That way, even if your wardrobe's not there, your bass will be!

discoboo · #10 10-07-2007, 07:50 PM

Try to remember where you parked the van...burger king is not your friend either...it's not a lie if you believe it.

fenderhutz · #11 10-07-2007, 08:08 PM

You and your bandmates will look like a bad episode of "The Real World" about halfway through. This is normal.

Sleep when you can and get rest, most of the flare-ups that happen on the road are due to being stressed out and tired.

Number 1. Have fun.

Lorenzini · #12 10-08-2007, 01:01 AM

I've never gone on tour but I have done a lot of traveling.
The first thing I think of is:

Eat well. Drink a lot of *water*. Being physically drained ultimately means mentally drained, so fill up with good stuff!

iplay4-5 · #13 10-08-2007, 01:07 AM

1. taco bell is your friend!!!! along w/ denny's lol well in my case it is....
2. tubesocks!!!!!
3. never spend more then $3 @ a gas station go to the grocery store and stock up on
-water/ and or liquids you enjoy
-also save the bottles for when you have to use the bathroom but no one will pull over!!!
4.plain white T's, hoodies, PJ's are your friend
5. try to eat only 1 PB&J samitch a day

darkfinger · #14 10-08-2007, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iplay4-5

1. taco bell is your friend!!!! along w/ denny's lol well in my case it is....
2. tubesocks!!!!!
3. never spend more then $3 @ a gas station go to the grocery store and stock up on
-water/ and or liquids you enjoy
-also save the bottles for when you have to use the bathroom but no one will pull over!!!
4.plain white T's, hoodies, PJ's are your friend
5. try to eat only 1 PB&J samitch a day

hahaha! this is so true! I`m on tour as I write this and this is very good advice. Some other things to think about:

1. bring at least one good book...
2. bring an ipod so when your guitard puts on something awefull you`ve got it covered
3. condoms. I know its been said before but seriously, wrap that s*** up!
4. bring a medic bag that holds every size wrench, allan key, and truss rod adjuster, as well as a spare strap lock, strings and batteries for your bass
5. bring a digital camera....believe me funny s*** happens constantly on tour to yourself and your band mates and its so much better when you get home and can laugh all over again at the stupid nonsense that comes with being over tired.
6. Don`t ever turn down an after party if its garaunteed to be full of hot chicks!

Lazylion · #15 10-08-2007, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkfinger

6. Don`t ever turn down an after party if its garaunteed to be full of hot chicks!

He probably didn't need to be told this one!

One other thing: Language. Try to speak the language. No matter how bad you butcher it, locals appreciate the effort. And never assume that "they don't understand English". Many people can understand English, even if they can't or won't speak it. So talk nice!

Bayou_Brawler · #16 10-08-2007, 08:52 AM

stay away from the cocain.

try and eat healthy and exercise.

there was a thread like this recently. HUGE list ouf tour tips. i'm too lazy to look for it but do a search.

jakeox · #17 10-08-2007, 12:00 PM

Getting lots of sleep might not sound totally rock and roll, but it's critical. It might not be 11pm to 6am like us working stiffs, but you can find time -- there's always plenty of downtime. Plus, naptime during someone else's soundcheck is completely rock and roll.

darkfinger · #18 10-08-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazylion

He probably didn't need to be told this one!

hahaha that`s true but you never know...

Spoiled Grape · #19 10-08-2007, 06:25 PM

Eh tour is usually a crash course. I don't know many people who have been on the road for over a week and don't know what to do. Have fun and screw up as much as possible on your first week or so, your body will tell you what to do after that. It doesn't take much to finally realize you should sleep six-eight hours a day, even if it's only an two hours in between driving shifts and maybe an hour after your set/before your set.

I drive my shift and than sleep. Eat two times a day. Never big before the show. Usually a small salad around 6pm and a big fatty meal afterwards. Sleep during the day drive and than start over again.