Essentials for a tour?

[quickervicar]

A band rule that there is a driver AND co-driver awake at all times. There are few worse feelings than waking up in the back seat of a van to see both of your current driving team asleep and a cliff approaching rapidly. (We survived unscathed; the van did not)

Our band had this rule, but tour can push you to the point of failure quite quickly. It is certainly helpful to have someone punch you in the shoulder if you start to show signs of fatigue while driving.

 

[Rabidhamster]

Campgrounds are cheap and have showers. hit or miss on the relaxation and sleep.

 

[beaglesandbass]

A lot of good info here, thanks all!

Tuner??? EDIT if you're playing a 9-date tour, I'm assuming you're bringing a tuner

Yeah pedal tuner and clip on.

Gig Bag Essentials

If only I knew then what I know now...

Yes these are threads I was looking for, thanks!

Huge box of condoms

Since I'm married and the wife isn't coming with...

Wire cutters in case you need to replace strings. And aspirin. Lots of aspirin.

Wire cutters are in my bag. Aspirin is a good idea!

 

[Stumbo]

Exlax just in case someone gets plugged up.

If you're not already, I suggest start taking B12 now. Solar B12 with B Complex is what I use.

More energy, better immune system, less chance if getting sick.

+1 to the advice on keeping a good, positive attitude. Be a problem solver. No whining allowed!

Also, if anyone has medical problems ir conditions, best know how to deal with them.

Good luck!

 

[5StringBlues]

Two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high powered blotter acid, a salt shaker half full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers... and also a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of Budweiser, a pint of raw ether and two dozen amyls.



Wait..........................



Just bring your own pillow.

 

[Phalex]

Just bring your own pillow.

Those aren't pillows!!!!

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzq4zb07tu1qao5iy.gif

 

[5StringBlues]

Those aren't pillows!!!!

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzq4zb07tu1qao5iy.gif

 

[Musky Bandit]

When I was younger, I played all kinds of shows in all kinds of weird places. Fast forward, now, from years of business travel (not the white-collar kind) that involves international travel to 3rd world countries, fubar-ed logistics, getting stuck in places, etc., I've learned to have a "survival kit" stashed in the bottom of my travel bag, gig bag, vehicle, or whatever you're traveling with:

Meds (ibuprofen, immodium, tums, extra couple of days of anything Rx you're on)
Toiletries (spare travel toothbrush/toothpaste, floss stick things, tiny bottle of Dr. Bronners, hand sanitizer, travel-size deodorant)
Tiny first aid kit (band-aids, alcohol wipes, etc)
Spare underoos, spare socks (it's amazing how much more human you feel after washing your face and changing your Socks and underwear (Exofficio travel underwear and Darn Tuff wool socks are the best)
Spare phone charger/cable
Cash-money
Pen (I like the Fisher Bullet spacepen)
Multitool (Leatherman or Swiss Army knife -- for shows I prefer the Leatherman-type, as pliers and a variety of screwdrivers comes in handy when dealing w/ music gear).
Small flashlight and a couple extra batteries (I like the Streamlight Microstream)

All of this is in addition to your regular travel and gig stuff, and I keep it stashed somewhere safe. It's all more of a last-resort or if you get separated from your main bag, gear, vehicle, etc. It allows me to be comfortable just about anywhere for at least 24 hours while I get things sorted out. All of that stuff takes up very little space but can be a life-saver.

 

[rtslinger]

Ok so I know this has been talked about at length, but a search wasn't coming back with any good results (please link me to some threads if you can find them) In august we'll be hitting the road and playing 9 gigs in 11 days. Nothing extravagant but it'll still be quite a workload for a bar band playing 3 50 minute sets every night.

On my list to bring so far:

2 basses
Amp (some venues provide amp, some
don't)
Backup DI incase amp fails
Extra strings
Extra cables
Stage tape
Batteries (9v & AA)
Extra strap
Allen keys incase I need to tweak a setup
Cleaning supplies
Nail clippers

I'm sure there are other things I'm not thinking of.

Travelers checks, Debt card, Two forms of ID

 

[B-line]

Reading all these"Tour Essentials" makes me wonder: WHO is booking these "tours" and where are you playing???
I'm no Rock Star, and don't want to be (maybe that's the deal here). When I was offered the chance to hit the road for 3+ months , it was divided into (2) sections: East Coast, then a short break, then the West Coast. Accommodations were provided either by the venue or reservations were made in advance. (Called an Itinerary) Sometimes, we were fed really well by the Clubs, other times not so much, but we always had 3 squares a day, and finding local specialties is awesome- Beignets in N'awlins area, Seafood out of Charleston SC, and on/on.
This series of gigs was booked by a well-seasoned Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter (We did all his originals). He had been touring annually for over 15 years, once part of the "SunSplash" Tour-sorry I missed that one!-and many of the venues were annual repeats. We played for 1,000's at a couple Festivals to dozens at local hangs, most were at medium-size clubs in a total of (14) States.
I met some amazing people in some amazing cities; we live in a fantastic Country.

Now again, I'm not trying to be Richard Head here; I get it, and know & worked w/ a number of musicians who hit the road w/ an independent Band, playing for the door (or less) working un-contracted, entirely on their own. Objective: Get heard, develop a Fan Base, Social Media, etc. THEN: Tour & Party like a RawkStar after your 1st Album sells a billion copies!
Or, maybe they just wanna have a fun road-trip with the boys and play their music. All good-but don't forget the 3-day underwears!

We also had the luxuries of a Driver (Nice big Van with great A/C; several of the engagements were fly-ins as well. Also- A Roadie!!!
Talk about being pampered- No load-in; just sound checks, "Artist" areas at some gigs with Food/Wine/Beer and adoring Fans of the Female persuasion.
Does it get any better???
I guess so if you're Led Zeppelin in their day, or Justin Bieber today, but to be able to lay-down Roots/R&B/FUNK for appreciative fans... AND Get Paid pretty well- AAAAAhhhh.
Just thought I'd share!

 

[Wisebass]

A problem you can't fix with cash because the hardware store is closed and you don't want to fix it with duct tape?
Velcro can fix a lot, is clean, can be used and used and used and.....

...and of course leave your problems at home (Velcro won't help )

try to have fun

may the basss be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

[lowplaces]

Fixed that for you.

Ha, true story.

This chick came up to me at a party back in my high-school days and started a conversation. Then she asked how big I was. I asked what she meant and she glanced down toward my belt. I said " Oh.. about two inches" She then looked at me with a frown and I said " that's across "

Her friend was standing there with us, and me and the chick got sprayed with the sip of beer her friend had taken just as I said that.

 

[fasto]

Huge box of condoms

+1, forgot them once, never again ...

 

[suededoesit]

Car battery, chewing gum, nipple clamps, and a box of Slim Jim's.