How To Become a Road Manager‍

Do you want to work in the music industry? Are you passionate about helping bands succeed? If so, then a career in road management may be perfect for you! This is a highly specialized field that requires a lot of knowledge and experience. It can be challenging but also very rewarding. In this blog post, we will discuss what it takes to become a road manager and what the job entails. We will also provide some tips for getting started in this exciting career!

What is a Road Manager?

A road manager is responsible for the logistics and day-to-day operations of a band or artist’s touring schedule. They work closely with the tour manager to ensure that everything runs smoothly and according to plan. Road managers are often the first point of contact for venue staff, promoters, and other industry professionals. They must be able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise and think on their feet to solve them quickly.

The job of a road manager is very demanding and requires excellent organizational skills. They must be able to handle a large amount of paperwork and keep track of many details. They also need to be good at dealing with people as they will be working closely with the band members, crew, and other touring personnel.

What Does a Road Manager Do?

A road manager’s duties vary depending on the size of the touring operation. For smaller tours, the road manager may be responsible for managing all aspects of the tour. This includes booking hotels and transportation, coordinating with venues and promoters, and handling all financial matters. They may also be responsible for hiring and managing crew members, setting up merchandise sales, and taking care of any other needs that arise during the tour.

For larger tours, the road manager’s job is generally more focused on logistics and day-to-day operations. They work closely with the tour manager to ensure that everything runs smoothly. This includes coordinating travel plans, making sure all equipment is in good working order, and dealing with any problems that may come up. Road managers also often act as a liaison between the band and the crew. They make sure that everyone has what they need and that everyone is on the same page.

What is the Difference Between a Tour Manager and a Road Manager?

The job of a tour manager is to oversee the entire operation of a tour. This includes booking travel and accommodations, coordinating with venues and promoters, and handling all financial matters. They also work closely with the artist or band to make sure that their needs are met. A tour manager is generally more involved in the overall planning of a tour.

A road manager’s job is more focused on the day-to-day operations of a tour. This includes coordinating travel plans, making sure all equipment is in good working order, and dealing with any problems that may come up. Road managers also often act as a liaison between the band and the crew. They make sure that everyone has what they need and that everyone is on the same page.

Both tour managers and road managers are essential members of a touring team. They both have different but important roles to play in ensuring that a tour runs smoothly.

How To Become a Road Manager

There is no one specific path to becoming a road manager. Many people in this field start out working in other positions within the music industry such as touring, production, or artist management. This experience can be very helpful in learning the ins and outs of the business and building important relationships. It is also helpful to have a background in business, marketing, or another relevant field.

The best way to learn how to become a road manager is on the job. There is no substitute for experience when it comes to this type of work. Start by working as a assistant or intern for a tour manager or road manager. This will give you a chance to learn the ropes and see if this is the right career for you. Once you have some experience under your belt, you can start looking for jobs with smaller touring companies or bands. As you gain more experience, you can move up to working with larger tours.

There are a few things that you can do to make yourself more attractive to potential employers. Getting certified in first aid and CPR is always a good idea. Having a valid driver’s license and being able to drive a large vehicle is also helpful. And last but not least, being well-organized and detail-oriented are essential skills for any road manager.

If you have a passion for music and want to be a part of the excitement of a live tour, then becoming a road manager may be the perfect career for you. With hard work and dedication, you can make it to the top of this competitive industry.

How Much Do Road Managers Make?

Road managers typically earn a salary plus bonuses and commissions. Salaries can vary widely depending on the size of the tour, the length of the tour, and the number of crew members. Road managers usually receive a percentage of the gross ticket sales for each show. They may also receive a percentage of merchandise sales or other income generated from the tour. Bonuses are often given for successfully completing a tour without any major problems.

The average salary for a road manager is $60,000 per year. Road managers who work with larger tours or more well-known artists can earn much more than this. The most successful road managers can earn upwards of $100,000 per year or more.

Are Road Managers Happy With Their Careers?

Road managers are generally happy with their careers. They get to travel to new places, meet new people, and see the world. They also get to be a part of the excitement of a live tour. Road managers often have a lot of responsibility and must work long hours, but they generally find the work to be very rewarding.

The biggest complaint that road managers have is that they don’t get to see their families very often. Because tours can last for months at a time, road managers are often away from home for extended periods of time. This can be tough on families, but many road managers say that the experience is worth the sacrifice.

If you are considering a career as a road manager, then chances are you will be happy with the decision. It is a challenging but rewarding career that can take you to places you never thought possible.

Conclusion

Becoming a road manager is a great way to see the world and be a part of the excitement of a live tour. There is no one specific path to becoming a road manager, but experience is essential. Start by working as an assistant or intern for a tour manager or road manager. Once you have some experience under your belt, you can start looking for jobs with smaller touring companies or bands. As you gain more experience, you can move up to working with larger tours.