My old guitar teacher had a rule for touring, arguments were settled over icecream. When he was in a band every town had a Dairy Queen or some such. You sat and debated respectfully so as not to disturb the public, and who can really be mad eating soft serve
I've Toured the UK a few times, had a blast! Tip 1 - Gym Membership is great, the other one is swimming pool/leisure centers, not only do you get a shower etc but usually a sauna/Jacuzzi/lazy rapids/tube slides. That kind of R&R can heal alot of sore tempers and lack of sleep. Tip 2 - A decent cup of Tea/Coffee and a bit of peace and quiet can also keep you sane. Tip 3 - Don't listen to just one genre of music, you will be playing shows with bands like you all tour, give your ears a rest, chuck on some classical for the journey, or some video game or movie soundtracks. Anything different, think of it like an audio palette cleanser. Tip 4 - Look after your instruments, this goes doubly for vocalists. Check your skins and strings, keep spares, use fret cleaners/lube. Vocalists, try to keep caffeine, alcohol, singing along to the other bands & shouting to talk to people to a minimum or you'll lose your voice partway into a tour. Tip 5 - treat every gig like it's the last you'll do, give it all you got! Have fun! Never give up, never surrender! If anyone is curious I sing/play for Welcome Back Delta (Rock & Blues) Up Shot (Grunge Rock) and play bass for Verity White (Rocktronica, Melodic Rock)
TA Travel, Pilot, and Flying J are nationwide truck stop chains that have cheap laundry facilities and showers (the showers won't be free. Typically like $15 towels included (less laundry hassle). Mom and pop truck stops often offer showers in the $5-$10 range.
I'm potentially joining a 4 piece band that does up to 6 shows a week in my home state. I'm bringing BASICS. This band makes it easier by running pretty much direct into the PA. Huge plus, No huge Cabs to lug around.
I think I saw an interview where a guy said that. Probably on like bus invaders or something. It's better than nothing if you don't have access to a shower.
You can also take showers at rest stops where the truckers do it! At a TA ( Transamerica), four instance. Also, Tip number 5 that you spoke about, I think the word you were looking for is called advancing the tour. That’s one of the things that a tour manager does
Pro-tip, record everyone besides yourself, play all the tracks while you perform by yourself. Enjoy peace and quiet as you tour the country by yourself
Bring a spare iPhone, load it with some cheap prepaid service, and hide it in a case in the trailer. If your trailer gets taken, you can use the "Find my iPhone" app to track it down.
YOOO!!!! My band played at the same venue a few weeks back with Event Horizon, Oceans of Slumber, and Insomnium!!!! Southport Hall is the shit!!! Going tonight to watch the battle of the bands finals!!
It's also a good tip if you find yourself homeless and living out of a car. I've had a friend or two that have had to do that years ago when they were in a bad spot (didn't know them at the time).
If there's anything that a decade in the Army taught me about living in close quarters is that there's one essential product that's often overlooked -- ball powder. Get some damn Gold Bond, sprinkle that shit on your block and tackle and your feet after a shower and life will be much more comfortable for you.
What if the tour bus breaks down. Example busted ball joint tie rod, control arm cv axle or even oil leak, antifreeze, heater hose or heater core explodes. Those throw away sock would be handy for clean up with gojo.
Yes, yes, and hell yes. Best advice I've seen in the last week, especially about the 3 rules about not messing with people. When you're on tour, short of sleep, just want a good meal, or you have the squits and just need to deal with it, and someone thinks it's "funny" to mess with you, people have been known to kill first and ask questions later. I know I have.....
Only stay in hotels if you’re able to afford them. And even then, don’t spring for 5 star accommodations. You can fit 5 guys into a 2 bed room and you can also park outside of super Walmart’s and utilize their facilities when need be... plus, inexpensive groceries are inside 😬
Wish I knew this stuff before I toured. I used to get that sun dried tomato humus from wal-mart every few days... I was pretty disgusted with humus for a good year after touring. Also, I'd say oxy clean pads are a life saver when you have 3 days of sweaty nast on yo face.
your three rules are good the only other rule i have is dont mess with anyones stuff without asking first. i saw bandmates get so pissed at each other for tiny stuff like that after being together for extended periods.
Create a log book,cost locations times write it down, the log belongs to no one but the band phones are great until they break,battery owner is missing 2 switch hit,load in/outs on an inventory list load in /party out , load out drive out in pairs so you can check no one is messing up/sick or missing something/distracted, always have someone stay with the gear.
Pro tip about the gym membership idea: Planet Fitness black card allows you into any PF in the country + one guest for $20 a month. There's around a $60 cancellation fee though once you're done with it. If the price is split between two people (card holder / guest) it's totally worth it for any longer tour.
when you said "go find a local grocery store", it set my damn google off and she started telling me where grocery stores are around here. smh. Thanks Fluff.
Advance prior to departure with all venues and then once more for each venue the day before arrival. Live entertainment. Things change. Sometimes for the better, so always hit them up. You’re never too small to have an UP TO DATE tech rider, input list, and/or stage plot. Let’s say one of you’re dates is at a festival with multiple bands playing that stage. Your audio crew will be better prepared for you and if there is a Backline provider you may not even have to load in most of your own gear. The list of pros goes on. There are no cons. Hip hip!... Gold bond or the like. Because shoes and feet still retain that stank and gig butt is real. Put your gear in cases. Preferably ones with casters where applicable. Acknowledge the golden ground rule. No touching of the hair or face. Maintain a healthy amount of sleep. Relatively new to TH-cam. Hope any of that was helpful, not a regurgitation of previous comments, and not terribly long winded. Thanks for your work on your channel, Mr. Bruce!
Don't throw away socks and contribute waste to landfills. Find a Salvation Army in the area and donate them. NOT a Goodwill. Salvation Army actually helps the homeless by donating 90 cents of every dollar they make. They will wash them and either recycle the socks for their textile value or sell them on the floor.
Agree with the socks. I had bandmates take off shoes and socks in the van and it stunk up instantly to the point i was going to vomit. The driver we hired was pissed and the guys who did it thought it was hilarious. One of them got kicked out two days later when he was wasted for groping a girl in the other band. Two states away from home. Also bring wetnaps. They a lifesaver. Good luck on the rest of you're tour!
Tip #1 don't go out with a band unless they guarantee your rooms. Period. ok..if it is a hobby band and you know the other players, that might be ok. But if you are a professional side-man/session guy; confirm your lodging and call the hotel ahead of time to KNOW you have a room. Your room is the key to having some money left over after the gig. Here is why: every day you can: 1)wash lots of your clothes in the sink for free ( if you are just out for fun, ok throw away yer socks, I guess, but honestly, you can wash your socks in the sink about as fast as you can wash your hands.) 2) you can bring a little electric tea pot and a french press and MAKE your own coffee and some soup etc; that is a big money saver and guarantees you some good coffee, Man I hate Starbucks type swill!!! on the road!!! 3) Free ice, you can fill your ice chest (having snacks and fruit in your room SAVES a LOT of money and time looking for a place to eat. 4) It is your WiFi connection 5) you can mail and receive mail from/to your hotel. you can literally have a Guitar center order delivered to your future hotel address. Lastly, sometimes the other members of a band may be behaving in a manner that you just don't wanna be around. Having your own room when the rest of the band is eyeballing ugly chicks in the bar can be a blessing, know whut I mean?!!!
Maybe add another ground rule that everyone helps load in and load out. Way too many times i'm stuck with putting away drums (guitarist) while our drummer is fucking off haha.
110% or go home. someone should have told me these things 30 years ago but I learned these tips the hard way supermarket was the one we learned first. thanks fluff! tip 6: be nice even if it hurts tip7: no one is king , help out tip8 :drink in moderation
Rule numbers 4 and 5 no excessive drinking/dont pursue your fans in a sexual manner. While fun these can lead to disaster lol Great tips though as they are all true!
Well theres this thing called technology/social media these days that everyone is on. Also way more bands competing for a spot, so who's going to want to sign the most sloshed band who can't keep it together. I know it was a joke but modern bands need to be careful.
Great advice, I tried setting ground rules for a few bands for practicing and recording but they turned up very infrequently even though they agreed to the terms.
Simon Hetherington you gotta enforce them, if theyre not taking you seriously, then kick them. If you're a HS band or there's no musicians near you, you're kinda fucked in that reahrd
Man, I’m so bummed I asked my dad for a guitar that was about 100 dollars and he said no maybe later and then we went back and it was gone. Wish I had a guitar!!!
My pro tip: POWER BANKS AND EXTENSION LEADS ARE CRUCIAL. Forever getting somewhere and never enough sockets for everyone to charge their phones at the same time. Always come prepared my friends.
Ground Rule #4: No alcohol. Seriously. Drinking on the job only results in bad things. So does showing up to work hung over. The same thing applies to your band.
If you can plan out laundry routes, then you're fine, a lot of people don't use foot powders to help stop odor before it starts. 1 pair of dirty socks? Eh, 8+ pairs in a van with closed Windows for A/C? Kill me
Damn you really have shitty conditions in the USA for touring if you have to get a gym membership to shower and throw your socks away. Europe is way better, almost everything necessary for the survival of the band (food, shower, shelter, sometimes washing machines) are provided by the bookers/promoters.
![โอ้เธอช่าง... - บี้เดอะสกา ft. ต๋อง เทวัญ (Prod. by ป๋าเพชร) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zbWhiLFmVL0/mqdefault.jpg)
It feels like this video is just a passive aggressive message to his band mates! Haha.
You do ? I don't think this is a hidden message. Sounds legit to me but who knows ?
Especially his 3 bang ground rules lol… mine would be “no drinking before the set”
My old guitar teacher had a rule for touring, arguments were settled over icecream. When he was in a band every town had a Dairy Queen or some such. You sat and debated respectfully so as not to disturb the public, and who can really be mad eating soft serve
I've Toured the UK a few times, had a blast!
Tip 1 - Gym Membership is great, the other one is swimming pool/leisure centers, not only do you get a shower etc but usually a sauna/Jacuzzi/lazy rapids/tube slides. That kind of R&R can heal alot of sore tempers and lack of sleep.
Tip 2 - A decent cup of Tea/Coffee and a bit of peace and quiet can also keep you sane.
Tip 3 - Don't listen to just one genre of music, you will be playing shows with bands like you all tour, give your ears a rest, chuck on some classical for the journey, or some video game or movie soundtracks. Anything different, think of it like an audio palette cleanser.
Tip 4 - Look after your instruments, this goes doubly for vocalists. Check your skins and strings, keep spares, use fret cleaners/lube. Vocalists, try to keep caffeine, alcohol, singing along to the other bands & shouting to talk to people to a minimum or you'll lose your voice partway into a tour.
Tip 5 - treat every gig like it's the last you'll do, give it all you got! Have fun! Never give up, never surrender!
If anyone is curious I sing/play for Welcome Back Delta (Rock & Blues) Up Shot (Grunge Rock) and play bass for Verity White (Rocktronica, Melodic Rock)
TA Travel, Pilot, and Flying J are nationwide truck stop chains that have cheap laundry facilities and showers (the showers won't be free. Typically like $15 towels included (less laundry hassle). Mom and pop truck stops often offer showers in the $5-$10 range.
PRO TIP
3 piece bands are easier to transport
Skinny and/or short members are also easier
I'm potentially joining a 4 piece band that does up to 6 shows a week in my home state. I'm bringing BASICS. This band makes it easier by running pretty much direct into the PA. Huge plus, No huge Cabs to lug around.
Tip 6: always have an ETiD shirt, they bring good luck!
Biggest thing I didn't see on here, BABY WIPES! ALWAYS! ITS LIFE!
Costco, big box of baby wipes.
Miguel Casillas
+1
For daily life
I think I saw an interview where a guy said that. Probably on like bus invaders or something. It's better than nothing if you don't have access to a shower.
That gym membership idea is a really good tip lol \m/
Safe travels for the rest of the tour, Ryan! \m/
You can also take showers at rest stops where the truckers do it! At a TA ( Transamerica), four instance.
Also,
Tip number 5 that you spoke about, I think the word you were looking for is called advancing the tour.
That’s one of the things that a tour manager does
Great advice, thanks!
My tip: EVERYBODY loads/unloads. Get the shit unpacked/packed and then go have a smoke/chat to fans/grab a beer etc.
Pro-tip, record everyone besides yourself, play all the tracks while you perform by yourself. Enjoy peace and quiet as you tour the country by yourself
Just saw you guys tonight in Sacramento! Excellent show!
Bring a spare iPhone, load it with some cheap prepaid service, and hide it in a case in the trailer. If your trailer gets taken, you can use the "Find my iPhone" app to track it down.
Smart! Love the gym membership idea.
The Gym membership is a cool idea, I don't think we have those gym chains in Europe though.
YOOO!!!! My band played at the same venue a few weeks back with Event Horizon, Oceans of Slumber, and Insomnium!!!! Southport Hall is the shit!!! Going tonight to watch the battle of the bands finals!!
Thx so much! Please, give us more of that juicy knowledge!
Would love a part two. Never heard of the gym membership, really insightful.
It's also a good tip if you find yourself homeless and living out of a car. I've had a friend or two that have had to do that years ago when they were in a bad spot (didn't know them at the time).
If there's anything that a decade in the Army taught me about living in close quarters is that there's one essential product that's often overlooked -- ball powder. Get some damn Gold Bond, sprinkle that shit on your block and tackle and your feet after a shower and life will be much more comfortable for you.
Please part 2 and 3!!!!!!! Thank you soo much!
Hey Fluff, can you give me an estimate for how much food your beard consumes on tour? I imagine its like having an extra small person or a dog.
#6. Make sure your singer can sing :)
NO GIRLFRIEND!!!!
Oilid only groopies
Josh RiffMonster Only for half an hour.
Yeah, because metalheads now have girlfriends *and* groupies... :)
LOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!
What if the tour bus breaks down. Example busted ball joint tie rod, control arm cv axle or even oil leak, antifreeze, heater hose or heater core explodes.
Those throw away sock would be handy for clean up with gojo.
That shit would already be out all over the ground.. You clean the streets for free now days or what?
Yes, yes, and hell yes. Best advice I've seen in the last week, especially about the 3 rules about not messing with people. When you're on tour, short of sleep, just want a good meal, or you have the squits and just need to deal with it, and someone thinks it's "funny" to mess with you, people have been known to kill first and ask questions later. I know I have.....
Only stay in hotels if you’re able to afford them. And even then, don’t spring for 5 star accommodations. You can fit 5 guys into a 2 bed room and you can also park outside of super Walmart’s and utilize their facilities when need be... plus, inexpensive groceries are inside 😬
Wish I knew this stuff before I toured. I used to get that sun dried tomato humus from wal-mart every few days... I was pretty disgusted with humus for a good year after touring.
Also, I'd say oxy clean pads are a life saver when you have 3 days of sweaty nast on yo face.
I think that you deserve much more appreciation and support...great vids :D
Awesome tips. Keep em coming!
Great video fluff, some great ideas here!
your three rules are good the only other rule i have is dont mess with anyones stuff without asking first. i saw bandmates get so pissed at each other for tiny stuff like that after being together for extended periods.
Hey Fluff. Did you have any issues with drop out or static with your x32 rack? Did you use the built in router or an external one?
Truck stops get fuel points card especially if your vehicle is diesel
The points card gives you free showers
My neck of the woods! Wish I was home to see the show!
Are you a fan of Max Cavalera (Sepultura, Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy)? Have you heard or checked out his Lace Downstroyer signature pickups?
Bring packets of silica gel. Throw them in your shoes and laundry bags. Reducing moisture will help cut down the smell.
Create a log book,cost locations times write it down, the log belongs to no one but the band phones are great until they break,battery owner is missing 2 switch hit,load in/outs on an inventory list load in /party out , load out drive out in pairs so you can check no one is messing up/sick or missing something/distracted, always have someone stay with the gear.
Pro tip about the gym membership idea:
Planet Fitness black card allows you into any PF in the country + one guest for $20 a month. There's around a $60 cancellation fee though once you're done with it. If the price is split between two people (card holder / guest) it's totally worth it for any longer tour.
when you said "go find a local grocery store", it set my damn google off and she started telling me where grocery stores are around here. smh. Thanks Fluff.
when your dad holding youtuber camera .... 😁 *dizzy
Advance prior to departure with all venues and then once more for each venue the day before arrival. Live entertainment. Things change. Sometimes for the better, so always hit them up.
You’re never too small to have an UP TO DATE tech rider, input list, and/or stage plot. Let’s say one of you’re dates is at a festival with multiple bands playing that stage. Your audio crew will be better prepared for you and if there is a Backline provider you may not even have to load in most of your own gear. The list of pros goes on. There are no cons. Hip hip!...
Gold bond or the like. Because shoes and feet still retain that stank and gig butt is real.
Put your gear in cases. Preferably ones with casters where applicable.
Acknowledge the golden ground rule. No touching of the hair or face.
Maintain a healthy amount of sleep.
Relatively new to TH-cam. Hope any of that was helpful, not a regurgitation of previous comments, and not terribly long winded. Thanks for your work on your channel, Mr. Bruce!
I punched a friend in the forehead for messing with my mashed potatoes once..... never happened again.
Show us on the mashed potatoes where the bad man touched you, Ryan.
hahahahahahha!!!!! he touched the potatoes after being sternly warned..... DONT TOUCH MY FOOD OR FACE DIRE CONSEQUENCES!
Hahahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahahahahahahhaaha! Cullen James FTMFW!!!!!!
I took my girlfriend on tour once and I told her to bring something to avoid pregnancy, so she brought along the mother in law!
My wife and I are still arguing about the throw away socks. The gym membership is a great idea.
makes sense
Don't throw away socks and contribute waste to landfills. Find a Salvation Army in the area and donate them. NOT a Goodwill. Salvation Army actually helps the homeless by donating 90 cents of every dollar they make. They will wash them and either recycle the socks for their textile value or sell them on the floor.
Agree with the socks. I had bandmates take off shoes and socks in the van and it stunk up instantly to the point i was going to vomit. The driver we hired was pissed and the guys who did it thought it was hilarious. One of them got kicked out two days later when he was wasted for groping a girl in the other band. Two states away from home. Also bring wetnaps. They a lifesaver. Good luck on the rest of you're tour!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone use the term fixins outside my family. Hilarious
Fluff what are your thoughts on the Tosin Abasi Fishman Fluence 7 pickups?
Tip #1 don't go out with a band unless they guarantee your rooms. Period. ok..if it is a hobby band and you know the other players, that might be ok. But if you are a professional side-man/session guy; confirm your lodging and call the hotel ahead of time to KNOW you have a room.
Your room is the key to having some money left over after the gig.
Here is why: every day you can: 1)wash lots of your clothes in the sink for free ( if you are just out for fun, ok throw away yer socks, I guess, but honestly, you can wash your socks in the sink about as fast as you can wash your hands.) 2) you can bring a little electric tea pot and a french press and MAKE your own coffee and some soup etc; that is a big money saver and guarantees you some good coffee, Man I hate Starbucks type swill!!! on the road!!! 3) Free ice, you can fill your ice chest (having snacks and fruit in your room SAVES a LOT of money and time looking for a place to eat. 4) It is your WiFi connection 5) you can mail and receive mail from/to your hotel. you can literally have a Guitar center order delivered to your future hotel address. Lastly, sometimes the other members of a band may be behaving in a manner that you just don't wanna be around. Having your own room when the rest of the band is eyeballing ugly chicks in the bar can be a blessing, know whut I mean?!!!
Maybe add another ground rule that everyone helps load in and load out. Way too many times i'm stuck with putting away drums (guitarist) while our drummer is fucking off haha.
The one rule I have is be able to play. That means don't do anything that will break a bone and don't get wasted before playing.
See yall soon, House of Rock in CCTX Monday!!!
NOMESS; No One Mess with the Eating, Shitting, or Sleeping.
Good advice man, thiose are rules to live by.
110% or go home.
someone should have told me these things 30 years ago
but I learned these tips the hard way
supermarket was the one we learned first.
thanks fluff!
tip 6: be nice even if it hurts
tip7: no one is king , help out
tip8 :drink in moderation
Get as much sleep time as you can !
Rule numbers 4 and 5 no excessive drinking/dont pursue your fans in a sexual manner. While fun these can lead to disaster lol Great tips though as they are all true!
Jeremy Rae clearly wasn't a hair metal guy in the 80s where it was the opposite haha
Well theres this thing called technology/social media these days that everyone is on. Also way more bands competing for a spot, so who's going to want to sign the most sloshed band who can't keep it together. I know it was a joke but modern bands need to be careful.
Why even bother having a band then?
Hey brother I want to Ask about Ogila website is it good to make a review for them and get paid?
YOU WERE IN NOLA?!? HOW DID I NOT KNOW?!? I live 20 minutes away, and totally could have made the show (probably).
My top tip; watch the film David Brent - Life on the road.
I could make these videos everyday about tour tips
Where next? I live up south of shreveport.
Never go see many bands.
I can follow those ground rules...Need a bass player lol
First tip is genius
Great advice, I tried setting ground rules for a few bands for practicing and recording but they turned up very infrequently even though they agreed to the terms.
Simon Hetherington you gotta enforce them, if theyre not taking you seriously, then kick them. If you're a HS band or there's no musicians near you, you're kinda fucked in that reahrd
thicc boi Thanks for the reply, surprisingly they are all adults.
YMCA's are good one, decently cheap, should have locker rooms, and are everywhere!
Heads up: The YMCA in Cambridge, Ohio does NOT have showers or locker rooms. LoL
You can't get a membership to all YMCA's in the country. They are different associations
Person of value for that tour is Austin
Has anyone else noticed how much Fluff sounds like the comedian Bert Kreischer?
Man, I’m so bummed I asked my dad for a guitar that was about 100 dollars and he said no maybe later and then we went back and it was gone. Wish I had a guitar!!!
Dude, just wash your socks in a sink and don't throw them away! That's a lot of good socks going to waste!
How do you keep yourself from being homeless after touring?
Rest Repose should come to salina ks
hold tf up i've stayed at that exact same Best Western
My pro tip: POWER BANKS AND EXTENSION LEADS ARE CRUCIAL. Forever getting somewhere and never enough sockets for everyone to charge their phones at the same time. Always come prepared my friends.
Just wear the same socks and never change ever.
Rule #6 - Never mess with someone's socks/undercrackers. Especially not the last clean pair.
5 tips for a better life
The real Tip number 1: Don't tour until you have some sort of following. People don't go to shows anymore and we have the internet.
the best tour tip:
never drink booze before the set.
drinking is for after the work is done.
second best tour tip:
hire a driver.
hello Ryan its ben cool vid
Ground Rule #4: No alcohol. Seriously. Drinking on the job only results in bad things. So does showing up to work hung over. The same thing applies to your band.
Get your self an Austin Dickey
Tip #1: when applicable, don't kick out your singer mid tour.
Dood Ranch Someone obviously hasn’t payed attention to how the scenario played out.
I literally could not care less
Wait what band did that ?
Rule 5 is funny.
Tip #6... don't pace while while recording TipVideos... damn I am dizzy now Fluff.
1. Never fire your vocalist
Throwing your socks away doesn't sound like a good idea. Sure it's easier that way and not too expensive, but come on...
Linko994 you haven't lived close quarters with 4 other guys have you? for along period of time
If you can plan out laundry routes, then you're fine, a lot of people don't use foot powders to help stop odor before it starts. 1 pair of dirty socks? Eh, 8+ pairs in a van with closed Windows for A/C? Kill me
One big tour secret (especially for us guys) is Gold Bond. Try it, you will thank me later.
Just me or does he remind me of the lion from the wizard of oz?
This video is sponsored by the sock industry.
Just bring your mom!
No unnecessary partying
All partying is necessary
CallumTheQuick THANK you
Bring sanitizer, a pillow for the long hours on the bus, and imodium just in case.
Damn you really have shitty conditions in the USA for touring if you have to get a gym membership to shower and throw your socks away. Europe is way better, almost everything necessary for the survival of the band (food, shower, shelter, sometimes washing machines) are provided by the bookers/promoters.
Bruh fuck socks thats why you rock the sandals 99 percent of tour and barefoot onstage
I'll see yall tomorrow
Throwing away socks is not sustainable, very shortsighted...