What does a road manager do?

What is a Road Manager?

A road manager is a professional who is responsible for managing the logistics and operations of a touring musical act or group. Road managers are responsible for ensuring that the tour runs smoothly and that the band has everything they need while on the road. This includes managing travel arrangements, organizing accommodations and meals, and coordinating the setup and teardown of equipment for each show.

Road managers are also responsible for managing the tour budget, handling financial transactions, and negotiating contracts with promoters and venue managers. Additionally, they may act as a liaison between the band, the record label, and other members of the tour staff, and are often required to work long hours and be on call 24/7 to handle any issues that may arise.

A successful road manager must have excellent organizational and communication skills, be able to work well under pressure, and have a deep understanding of the music industry and the needs of touring musicians.

What does a Road Manager do?

A typical day for a road manager can vary widely, depending on the size of the touring act and the stage of the tour. Here are some of the tasks that a road manager may be responsible for on a daily basis:

• Planning and logistics: A road manager is responsible for coordinating travel arrangements for the band and crew, including booking flights, arranging ground transportation, and organizing lodging and meals. They also work with the tour bus driver to plan the most efficient routes between shows.
• Equipment management: The road manager is responsible for coordinating the setup and teardown of all equipment for each show. This includes making sure that all equipment is transported safely and that it is set up properly on stage.
• Finances and budgeting: The road manager is responsible for managing the tour budget, including handling cash advances and other financial transactions, paying vendors and crew members, and keeping detailed records of all expenses.
• Communication and coordination: The road manager is often the main point of contact between the band, the record label, the booking agent, and other members of the tour staff. They must be able to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the tour runs smoothly.
• Problem solving: When issues arise, the road manager is responsible for coming up with creative solutions to keep the tour on track. This may include resolving conflicts between band members, dealing with equipment malfunctions, or addressing unexpected changes in the tour schedule.

Overall, a road manager must be able to multitask and work under pressure, and must be available to handle issues that arise at any time of day or night. While the specific tasks can vary from day to day, their goal is always the same: to ensure that the tour runs smoothly and that the band and crew are able to perform at their best.

What is the workplace of a Road Manager like?

The workplace of a road manager is primarily on the road, traveling with the touring musical act. This means that a road manager can expect to spend a significant amount of time away from home, often for weeks or even months at a time.

The work environment can vary widely depending on the size of the touring act and the location of the shows, but may include a mix of indoor and outdoor venues, such as concert halls, stadiums, and festivals.

The work can be physically demanding, requiring the road manager to lift heavy equipment and work long hours, often late into the night. The job can also be mentally taxing, as the road manager is responsible for managing a team of people and keeping everything on track, often in high-pressure situations.

Despite the challenges, many road managers enjoy the excitement and camaraderie of being on the road with a touring band, and take pride in making sure that each show is a success.