What Does an Artist Tour Manager Do A Day in the Life

What Does an Artist Tour Manager Do? A Day in the Life

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Imagine the roar of the crowd, the thrill of live music, and the excitement of a concert tour. Now, picture the person behind the scenes making it all happen smoothly. That’s the artist tour manager – the unsung hero of the music industry. But what exactly does this role entail? Let’s dive into the world of tour management and discover why these professionals are the backbone of successful music tours.

What is a Tour Manager?

An artist tour manager is the linchpin of a successful concert tour. They’re the Swiss Army knife of the music industry, wearing multiple hats to ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. But how does their role differ from other management positions?

Unlike a music manager who focuses on an artist’s overall career, a tour manager’s realm is the road. They’re responsible for the day-to-day operations of a tour, from logistics to finances to crisis management. Think of them as the captain of a ship, steering the tour through calm and stormy seas alike.

Key Responsibilities of a Tour Manager:

  • Overseeing tour logistics

  • Managing the artist’s schedule

  • Coordinating with venues and promoters

  • Handling finances and budgets

  • Solving problems on the fly

Now that we’ve got a basic understanding, let’s break down what a typical day looks like for these road warriors.

Pre-Tour Planning: Setting the Stage for Success

Before the first chord is struck, a tour manager’s work begins in earnest. The pre-tour planning phase is crucial for a smooth and successful tour.

1. Budgeting

First things first: money talks. Tour managers work closely with artists and their team to create a comprehensivetour budget. This includes:

  • Transportation costs

  • Accommodation expenses

  • Equipment rentals

  • Staff salaries

  • Marketing and promotion

2. Travel Planning

Next up is plotting the tour route. This involves:

  • Booking flights, buses, or other transportation

  • Arranging hotel accommodations

  • Coordinating visa requirements for international tours

3. Equipment Management

From guitars to light rigs, tour managers ensure all necessary equipment is accounted for

  • Creating inventory lists

  • Arranging equipment rentals or purchases

  • Coordinating shipping for larger items

4. Scheduling

Finally, they create a detailed itinerary, including:

  • Show dates and times

  • Travel schedules

  • Press appearances

  • Soundcheck times

With all this groundwork laid, it’s time to hit the road!

On the Road: A Day in the Life of a Tour Manager

Now, let’s dive into what a typical day looks like for an artist tour manager once the tour is underway.

6:00 AM: Rise and Shine

The tour manager is often the first one up, reviewing the day’s schedule and checking for any last-minute changes or issues.

7:00 AM: Travel Time

Whether it’s herding the team onto a tour bus or coordinating airport pickups, the tour manager ensures everyone gets to the next destination safely and on time.

11:00 AM: Venue Arrival

Upon reaching the venue, the tour manager:

  • Meets with the venue staff

  • Coordinates load-in of equipment

  • Checks on dressing rooms and catering

2:00 PM: Soundcheck

During soundcheck, the tour manager:

  • Ensures all equipment is working properly

  • Coordinates with sound and lighting technicians

  • Manages the artist’s time and needs

5:00 PM: Pre-Show Preparations

As showtime approaches, the tour manager:

  • Confirms security arrangements

  • Handles any VIP meet-and-greets

  • Ensures the artist is ready and comfortable

8:00 PM: Showtime!

During the show, the tour manager:

  • Monitors the performance from backstage

  • Handles any emergencies that arise

  • Coordinates with venue staff as needed

11:00 PM: Post-Show Wrap-Up

After the final encore, it’s time to:

  • Oversee load-out of equipment

  • Settle finances with the venue

  • Coordinate transportation to the next destination

And then? Rinse and repeat for the next show!

Venue and Concert Logistics: The Devil’s in the Details

A huge part of a tour manager’s job revolves around concert logistics and venue management. This includes:

  1. Venue coordination: Communicating with each venue about specific requirements and restrictions.

  2. Technical requirements: Ensuring the venue can accommodate the artist’s technical needs.

  3. Security arrangements: Coordinating with local security teams to ensure the safety of the artist and fans.

  4. Hospitality management: Overseeing catering, dressing rooms, and any special requests from the artist.

  5. Ticketing: Working with the venue on ticket sales and distribution.

Financial Management on Tour: Keeping the Books Balanced

Money makes the world go round, and tours are no exception. Tour managers are responsible for:

  1. Budget management: Tracking all expenses and ensuring they stay within the predetermined budget.

  2. Payments: Handling payments to vendors, crew members, and venues.

  3. Merchandise sales: Overseeing the sale of artist merchandise and accounting for the income.

  4. Financial reporting: Providing regular financial updates to the artist and their management team.

Problem-Solving on the Road: Expect the Unexpected

No tour goes off without a hitch, and it’s the tour manager’s job to handle whatever comes their way. Common issues include:

  1. Equipment failures

  2. Transportation delays

  3. Illness (of the artist or crew members)

  4. Weather-related cancellations

  5. Venue issues

A successful tour manager needs to be quick on their feet, resourceful, and able to make tough decisions under pressure.

Post-Tour Wrap Up: It’s Not Over Till It’s Over

Once the final encore has been played and the last piece of equipment packed away, a tour manager’s job isn’t quite done. The post-tour wrap-up includes:

  1. Financial reconciliation: Finalizing all tour expenses and income.

  2. Performance review: Analyzing the tour’s successes and areas for improvement.

  3. Thank-you notes: Sending appreciation to venues, promoters, and crew members.

  4. Future planning: Beginning preliminary work on the next tour.

Skills Needed to be a Successful Tour Manager

Being a tour manager isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires a unique set of skills, including:

  1. Organizational skills: Keeping track of countless details is crucial.

  2. Communication: Clear, effective communication with a variety of people is essential.

  3. Problem-solving: The ability to think on your feet and find creative solutions is a must.

  4. Leadership: Tour managers need to be able to lead and motivate a diverse team.

  5. Financial acumen: Understanding budgets and financial management is key.

  6. Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is vital.

Conclusion: The Backbone of Successful Tours

From the outside, the glitz and glamour of a concert tour can be alluring. But behind every successful show is a hardworking tour manager, ensuring that the show goes on, night after night. They’re the unsung heroes of the music industry, working tirelessly behind the scenes to create unforgettable experiences for fans and artists alike.

If you’re considering a career in tour management, know that it’s a challenging but rewarding path. It requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for music and logistics. But for those who love the thrill of live music and the satisfaction of bringing joy to thousands of fans, there’s no better job in the world.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of tour management? Consider reaching out to established tour managers for mentorship, or look into music business programs that offer courses in tour management. Who knows? You might just find yourself on the road, living the exciting life of an artist tour manager!

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