What are the typical logistical processes involved in a major rock band tour? The band needs to transport large quantities of equipment to each show. The band uses a special truck that protects its instruments and other equipment during transport. The band usually needs two sets of equipment to get from one point to another, while the backline gear must be shipped across the country. The band must plan for these logistics ahead of time and ensure that they meet their deadlines.
In addition to transportation expenses, musicians can’t avoid travel costs. Travel expenses can range from small artists’ gas and toll costs to the airfares of major music stars. And don’t forget the rigs themselves! Hundreds or even thousands of pounds of equipment must be stored and transported in a massive touring rig each night. The cost of airfreight can easily exceed $1 million per tour.
The setup process for each performance can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to several hours. Stages are usually the loudest place in a venue, and the band may need to adjust the monitor levels to make sure they’re loud enough. Vocalists, for example, may need more vocals in a monitor directly in front of their position. Luckily, there are ways to mitigate these problems.
Travel isn’t the only expense involved in a music tour. There’s food to eat, but the band also has to sleep. Traveling by van is more economical than flying, and the musicians can complete tour legs back to back. The downside? Traveling by plane is stressful and exhausting, and the musicians can end up getting jet lag and not performing as well as they could.
