When it comes to the success of a world music tour, a General Manager plays a critical role. Their tasks go beyond booking gigs- working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly, from venue selection to overseeing ticket sales, from running budgets to managing contracts. This blog post shines a spotlight on the General Managers behind some of the most famous music tours in history.
Famous Music Tour General Managers Table of Contents
Famous General Managers and Their Impact
What Does a Tour Manager Do?
A Tour Manager’s core job is the proper and successful execution of concerts and music tours. Here's a brief breakdown of their key role:
- Coordinating with venues and promoters.
- Negotiating contracts.
- Overseeing logistics like transport and accommodation.
- Managing budgets and finances.
- Maintaining the tour schedule.
- Ensuring the health and well-being of artists and crew.
Famous General Managers and Their Impact
1. Tony Smith - Genesis and Pink Floyd
Tony Smith, one of the top British band managers of all time, managed Genesis and Phil Collins for over three decades. He was also part of Pink Floyd's successful "Division Bell" tour.
2. Paul Gongaware - Rolling Stones
Paul Gongaware is an industry powerhouse who was a tour manager for The Rolling Stones. His experience spans over three decades, and he was instrumental in the Stones' record-breaking "Bigger Bang" tour.
3. Doc McGhee- Bon Jovi and KISS
Doc McGhee, known for his unique hands-on approach and innovative ideas, managed the iconic rock bands Bon Jovi and KISS. He played a significant part in Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet tour and KISS’s reunion tour.
Famous Music Tour General Managers Example:
The Role of a Tour Manager: A Case Study
To grasp the distinctive role of a music tour general manager, consider Billy Burnett’s management of U2’s ‘360 °’ tour. To accommodate the concert's large-scale production, Billy had to strategize early to manage the logistics. Besides booking stadiums, he had to coordinate transportation for the 120 truckloads of equipment used. Throughout the tour, Billy ensured everything worked like a well-oiled machine. This meticulous planning and management resulted in one of the most successful tours in music history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a music tour general manager do?
A music tour general manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an artist's tour. This includes logistics, budget management, coordinating travel and accommodation, ensuring equipment and personnel are in place, and managing the tour personnel.
How does one become a music tour general manager?
Becoming a music tour general manager typically involves a combination of education and experience in the music industry. Many start with lower-level positions on tour crews and work their way up, gaining experience and building networks as they go.
What are some challenges faced by music tour general managers?
Music tour general managers often deal with tight schedules, budget constraints, unpredictable events, and the need to maintain a good working environment on the move. Ensuring the well-being of artists and crew members is also a key challenge.
Who are some of the most famous music tour general managers?
Some renowned music tour general managers include Doc McGhee (who has managed KISS and Bon Jovi), Tony Smith (who has worked with Genesis and Phil Collins), and Jake Berry (tour manager for U2, The Rolling Stones, and Madonna).
How important is a tour manager to the success of a tour?
A tour manager is crucial to a tour's success. They ensure that shows go on smoothly, which positively influences the artist's reputation, fan satisfaction, and the financial success of the tour.
What qualities make an excellent music tour general manager?
Strong organizational skills, excellent communication, leadership, problem-solving abilities, stress management, and a deep understanding of the music industry are essential qualities for a successful music tour general manager.
How do tour managers work with other team members on the road?
Tour managers work closely with sound techs, lighting designers, stage managers, and other crew members. They coordinate tasks, manage conflicts, and communicate the artist's needs to ensure a cohesive team effort.
What sort of financial responsibilities does a tour manager have?
Tour managers handle budgets, negotiate contracts, manage payroll for the touring party, oversee merchandise sales, and monitor expenses to ensure the tour remains profitable.
How do tour managers handle emergencies and unexpected situations?
During emergencies or unexpected situations, tour managers assess the situation quickly, make decisive actions to ensure safety and continuity, and communicate effectively with their team, the venue, and sometimes the audience.
Can a tour manager be responsible for hiring and firing crew members?
Yes, a tour manager often has the authority to hire and, if necessary, fire crew members. Their responsibility is to maintain a competent and cohesive team that can support the artist and the tour's objectives.
What is the role of a tour manager during a live concert?
During a live concert, a tour manager oversees every aspect of the performance, coordinates with venue staff, handles any issues that arise, and ensures that the artist can focus entirely on the performance.
How long do music tours typically last?
Music tours can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the artist's popularity, album release schedules, and specific touring goals. However, most tours usually range from three to six months.
Do tour managers interact with fans?
Tour managers may occasionally interact with fans, especially when coordinating meet-and-greets, VIP experiences, or handling any concert-related inquiries that come their way.
What kind of work hours does a tour manager have?
Tour managers work long and irregular hours, often starting early in the day to prepare for the evening's performance and finishing late after the show and post-show duties are complete.
Are there any specific tools or software that tour managers use?
Yes, tour managers use a variety of tools and software for scheduling, budgeting, and communication. Examples include Master Tour, Eventric, and various accounting and document management programs.
How do tour managers ensure the artist's needs are met while on tour?
Tour managers work closely with the artist to understand their requirements and ensure their needs are met in terms of comfort, travel, accommodations, performance requirements, and personal requests.
What kind of background knowledge is required for a tour manager?
A comprehensive understanding of the music industry, live production, sound and lighting technology, contract law, and basic accounting principles is typically required for a tour manager.
How does a tour manager's role differ when managing a new artist versus an established one?
With new artists, tour managers might take on more hands-on tasks, as the supporting team may be smaller. For established artists, the role can involve more delegation and coordination of larger teams.
Is a music tour general manager involved in the creative aspects of a tour?
While the creative aspects are usually handled by the artist and their creative team, tour managers may provide logistical support to bring those creative ideas to life on stage.
How do tour managers maintain good relationships with venue managers?
Professionalism, communication, and responsiveness are essential for tour managers to maintain good relationships with venue managers. Negotiating terms that benefit both the artist and the venue is also key.
What is the average salary of a music tour general manager?
The salary of a music tour general manager varies widely based on experience, the profile of the artist, and the length and scale of the tour. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, salaries can range from modest to very high for top-level managers working with major artists.
Now that you've gotten a glimpse into the world of these renowned tour general managers, it's clear how crucial their role is in the success of a music tour. They're the ones who keep the wheels turning and the artists focused on their performances. If you've loved reading about these individuals, why not consider writing a song about them? With our Lyric Assistant, you can achieve that and more! Explore other guides on Lyric Assistant to get the best out of your songwriting. Don’t forget to share this enriching article with budding musicians or fans who would find it interesting!
