Signing up for the gig

• Discuss weekly rate
• Shared hotels or solo
• How much are per diems?
• Can I use guest list for friends and fam?

Bags

• 1 suitcase for clothes and toiletries, make sure to have some extra room for shit, knick-nacks and gifts that you will end up buying on the road. This bag gets checked and reimbursed by the tour for all flights.
• 1 backpack for laptop. Under the seat in front of you on the plane.
• 1 day bag for shower and extra transport (when I fly, this gets packed down and consolidated in my suitcase.
• 1 Pelican case with tools. Sometimes this will be a 1510 and can go in overhead bin in the plane. If you’re a backline tech, you’ll likely have tools and need to check it and get reimbursed later.
• Your suitcase will live in the bay under the bus on tour. I try and pack 2-3 days of clothes in my day bag for showering so I don’t have to get into the bays every day. 

Personal Items

• Make sure you bring 10-ish days of clothing. Always a couple extra pair of socks and underwear. It’s nice to change those midday on particularly hot days.
• 1-2 pairs work shoes, 1 pair of flip flops/shower shoes.

Bus Rules

• No #2. ONLY LIQUIDS DOWN THE TOILET!  No TP allowed either. If there’s an emergency, kindly ask the driver to pull over.   Last resort…trash bag in the toilet, then tie up after use and dispose outside.
• Tissues, tampons, paper towels etc. go in the appropriate waste receptacle.
• For the men, I am suggesting we sit to take a piss.  It keeps the restroom cleaner for all of us and makes it a more comfortable situation for the woman.  
• Always lock the bus when you get on and off.  Double check to make sure luggage bays have been locked.
• Do not slam any doors.   Bus doors and bays are heavy but it doesn’t take a lot to get them to latch.  The absolute worst thing is in the middle of day when you are trying to catch a nap but can’t because 10000 people are entering / exiting the bus and getting all hulk-smash on the doors.
• Sleep in your bunk with feet facing towards the driver.
• Shoes either go in closets, draws or single-file lined up in the bunk alley.  
• Bookbags, etc...They  go in the junk bunk,  your bunk or the bays.   The back and front lounge are for lounging, not storing your belongings.
• If the driver stops for gas and you get off, you need to either let the driver know verbally, a text or leave your laminate on his seat
• Do not touch anything in the driver's area.  
• The bunk alley is meant to be cold, please do not adjust the thermostat.  
• If the trash is full, don’t keep slamming more trash down the bin.  Take it out!
• If there’s any food or drink that you really really really want to yourself, put a name on it.
• Absolutely no guests on the bus.  This is for our security and our health.  
• Clean up after yourself.   

General Tour Rules

• Do not post any photos of your tour laminate on social media!  If you do, you will usually be responsible for the cost of buying all new laminates.
• Do not tag locations of where you are on social media (venue is OK).   Especially hotels, etc. This is for security reasons.
• Never be late for a bus call.  If you are making your best effort to get to bus call but will be late (traffic, etc), call the TM.  
• If there’s any reason you cannot enter into Canada, let the TM know immediately.
• Crew: you are required, by the TM, to wear your walkie from load in to load out.  No exceptions.   If you lose one you will be responsible for purchasing a new one ($600+).
• If we have a runner for a show, all requests must go through the tour manager.  
• Pay any hotel incidentals as you leave for lobbycall/check out.  The tour manager is not your personal accountant.

General Advice:

• #1 rule: ask questions. Ask other crew how they’re doing and if you can do anything to help them, ask the musicians you take care of how they are and if you can improve anything, ask your TM too.
• Unless…. you have a logistics question… look at MasterTour first to see if it has your answer. TM’s are usually happy to answer your question but will be very mad if the answer is already listed in MasterTour.
• Treat all the local hands and crew with kindness. They’re usually awesome people with great stories and knowledge of the cool local spots for after show or a day off.
• Remember to take care of yourself. Eat well and cleaner than you would even at home. You’re usually eating a ton on tour and the rider usually has more sweets and snacks than you would eat at home. 
• Don’t stay up partying with the band every night. They can party as much as they want. You're there to work for them. Know your limits and stick to them.
• Take any chance you can get for alone time. It's at a premium on tour. Same with opportunity to shit, shower, or do laundry. "Catch as catch can!"

Gear

• Bring everything that you think would be helpful day to day on the road. Drum keys, capos, screwdriver set, simple dynamic mic for testing audio lines, QBox if you're feeling fancy. Having quality tools and taking pride in delivering excellent service to the band and artist will keep the gigs coming your way!
• Check with the TM/PM about all expendables you need. Strings, drum heads, moon gels, etc are all considered expendable and should be purchased by the band for the tour.