How essential is the role of a music tour manager? Whether it is a massive multi-city world tour or a short series of local performances, organizing and coordinating a musician’s tour is no simple task. Music tours entail numerous logistical considerations, and this is where the music tour manager steps in.
Well Known Music Tour Managers Table of Contents
The Role of a Music Tour Manager
The Role of a Music Tour Manager
Music tour managers are the unsung heroes operating behind every successful tour. They ensure everything runs smoothly, from the moment the artists step on the plane till the lights go off at the end of the performance.
Main Responsibilities
- Planning: This involves working out the tour schedule, coordinating with venues and promoters, arranging for travel and accommodation, and handling contracts and financial aspects.
- Coordination: The tour manager must synchronise the actions of various individuals including band members, roadies, sound engineers, and venue staff, to ensure a seamless performance.
- Problem Solving: From delayed flights to a musician falling ill, any number of things can go wrong on a tour. The tour manager's job is to deal with these crises efficiently.
Well-known Music Tour Managers
Tony Bullimore
Tony Bullimore is best known as the tour manager for world-renowned band the Rolling Stones, but his portfolio spans many well-known artists from David Bowie to Paul McCartney. His keen eye for detail, impressive organisational skills, and ability to adapt made him a go-to for big names in the industry.
Jake Berry
The name Jake Berry is synonymous with U2's grandiose and innovative live shows as their Head of Production. From 'PopMart' to '360°' tours, Berry has been pulling the strings behind the scenes, ensuring the band's performances hit the mark every single time.
Gerry Stickells
Gerry Stickells played a pivotal role in the global success of the legendary band Queen as their tour manager. His role was instrumental in their epic 'Magic Tour' back in 1986, which was Queen’s last tour with Freddie Mercury.
Well Known Music Tour Managers Example:
Let's take a closer look at the work of Jake Berry during U2’s '360°' tour. Possibly one of the most technically complex tours to date, it featured a massive 'claw' structure with a circumference of 360 degrees, enabling audience views from any angle. Overseeing an army of technicians, transportation of mountains of equipment, and coordinating with multiple venues worldwide was a Herculean task. Yet, Berry and his team ensured every performance was a roaring success and a testament to their meticulous planning and seamless execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a music tour manager do?
A music tour manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the logistics of a band or solo artist's tour. This includes coordinating travel arrangements, managing itineraries, settling finances, liaising with venues, and ensuring that the entire tour runs smoothly. They serve as the point of contact between the artist, event promoters, and venue managers.
How do I become a music tour manager?
Becoming a music tour manager typically requires a blend of formal education and practical experience. Many start by studying in fields such as music business or event management and gain experience by working in various roles within the music industry. Building a strong network and learning from experienced tour managers through internships or assistant roles can pave the way to become a full-fledged tour manager.
What skills are essential for a tour manager?
Essential skills for a tour manager include excellent organizational abilities, strong communication skills, problem-solving, and being able to remain calm under pressure. Being adaptable and having a thorough understanding of the music industry are also crucial.
Do tour managers spend a lot of time on the road?
Yes, tour managers spend a significant amount of time on the road, often traveling with the artist or band for the entire duration of the tour, which can span weeks, months, or even years.
Who are some well-known music tour managers?
Some well-known music tour managers include Doc McGhee, who has managed KISS and Bon Jovi; Jake Berry, recognized for his work with U2 and The Rolling Stones; and Chris Kansy, known for his role with Roger Waters.
Is the job of a tour manager stressful?
The job of a music tour manager can be quite stressful due to the unpredictable nature of live events, strict schedules, and the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of the touring party. However, it can also be very rewarding for those with a passion for music and live events.
What are the usual challenges a tour manager faces?
Usual challenges can include coordinating logistics in different cities or countries, dealing with last-minute changes, managing diverse personalities within the tour group, and addressing unforeseen events or emergencies.
How do tour managers handle finances on tour?
Tour managers handle finances by maintaining a detailed budget, settling show settlements, managing per diems for the crew and artists, and keeping track of all tour-related expenses. They often work closely with accountants or financial advisors to ensure the tour's financial health.
What kind of salary can a music tour manager expect?
The salary of a music tour manager can vary widely depending on the artist’s profile, tour budget, level of experience, and other factors. Salaries can range from moderate to substantial figures for top-level tour managers working with high-profile artists.
Can tour managers work for multiple artists at a time?
While it’s possible, it is generally challenging for tour managers to work for multiple artists simultaneously due to the demanding nature of the job. They typically focus on one artist or band at a time to ensure the quality and attention to detail that a successful tour demands.
What distinguishes a good tour manager from a great one?
A great tour manager not only manages the tour efficiently but also possesses strong interpersonal skills, the ability to anticipate issues before they arise, and the flexibility to adapt to the dynamic nature of touring. They also have a deep understanding of the artist's needs and expectations.
How important is networking in the role of a tour manager?
Networking is incredibly important as it opens opportunities for tour managers to connect with artists, booking agents, venue managers, and other industry professionals, which can lead to more and potentially larger tour offers.
What kind of hours do tour managers work?
Tour managers often work long, irregular hours that include nights, weekends, and holidays. The work hours are dictated by the tour schedule and the demands of the role, requiring high levels of stamina and dedication.
What is the best part of being a tour manager?
For many, the best part of being a tour manager is the opportunity to travel the world, the thrill of live events, the chance to work closely with talented musicians, and the satisfaction of having a critical role in the success of a tour.
Do tour managers need to have technical knowledge of music and sound equipment?
While not essential, it is beneficial for tour managers to have a basic understanding of technical aspects related to music and sound equipment. This knowledge helps them effectively communicate with sound engineers and crew.
Is it common for tour managers to transition into other roles within the music industry?
Yes, it is quite common for tour managers to transition into other roles within the music industry such as artist management, event promotion, or music production due to their vast experience and connections.
What role do tour managers play in promoting a tour?
Tour managers often work closely with the artist’s management and promotion teams to help coordinate the promotional activities for a tour. They may organize press events, coordinate with local promoters, and ensure the artist is briefed for media engagements.
How do tour managers maintain the well-being of the artist and crew on tour?
Tour managers ensure the well-being of the artist and crew by coordinating comfortable accommodations, arranging adequate transportation, ensuring proper meal options, and often handling or overseeing any medical issues or personal needs that arise during the tour.
What are the career prospects for a music tour manager?
Career prospects for a music tour manager can expand into higher-level management positions, consultancy roles, or running their own touring companies. Success often leads to opportunities to work with bigger artists and more significant, high-profile tours.
How has technology impacted the role of music tour managers?
Technology has significantly impacted the role of music tour managers by streamlining communication, improving coordination efficiency with digital tools, and allowing managers to handle various aspects of the tour remotely. It also assists in advancing planning and logistics management through specialized software.
Navigating the world of the music business can be a daunting and chaotic experience, but it becomes considerably more manageable when a competent tour manager is on board. They are the binding force that keeps the team together and the cogs turning. So, the next time you attend a concert, remember the unsung heroes working behind the scenes. If you are interested in the music industry or songwriting, don’t hesitate to explore our other guides on Lyric Assistant!
