Surviving Your Band’s First Tour

It’s a tremendous milestone–your band’s first tour. You’ve talked about it endlessly and daydreamed about the possibilities. But when it comes right down to it, planning your first band’s tour is intimidating!

Over the years, we’ve provided transportation for bands as they reach new audiences and entertain their fans. And we’ve learned a lot about how musicians approach a successful tour. We’ve put together a list of helpful tips, so you make the most of your life on the road.

1 – Start with Your Itinerary

Before you do anything else, create your itinerary. In some cases, an agent or manager will make the itinerary, or sometimes, it’s up to the band themselves.

A workable itinerary is more than just a list of dates and places. It should include everything you need to know about each day you’ll be on the road. For example, your itinerary ought to pin down addresses of venues and contact names and numbers (or email addresses). If you schedule interviews or other appearances, those should appear on the itinerary as well.

If you visit areas that would be ideal for shooting videos, be sure to include those stops on your itinerary. Everyone involved in the tour (band members, management, PR company, driver, and anyone else playing a role) should be included on a sheet of critical phone numbers and email addresses. This contact list is an integral component of a successful itinerary.

2 – Pay Attention to the Details

You don’t want to be that newbie band that gets lost on the way to the venue and doesn’t have time for a soundcheck.

That’s why you should double (and triple) check all the details about your route. How long does it take to get from the hotel to the venue? Are you going to drive all night or set out first thing in the morning? And how long will it take to get to your next stop?

Go through your itinerary with a fine-toothed comb, and print out directions for each leg of the tour (you don’t want to get lost if you lose data on the road).
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3 – Plan Your Budget

Bands plan tours for various reasons, but most realize that they probably won’t get rich on this first tour. Some hope to reach new audiences and gain new fans. Others use tours to capture video footage and earn media coverage.

Whatever your goals, run the numbers early on in your planning. Factor in guaranteed income and estimate your expenses, including food, gas, and emergencies that may arise. If possible, try to cover your costs ahead of time, and let the money you earn on the road be gravy.

4 – Set Ground Rules

A band tour should be fun, but don’t let things get out of control. Too much partying can derail the goals of your tour. You don’t want to start showing up late for gigs or delivering sloppy performances.

If everyone in the group commits to making the shows the highest priority of the tour, you should be fine.

5 – Take Care of Yourselves

Tours can be grueling. It’s not uncommon for band members to experience bouts with sickness along the way between late nights, early mornings, and the stresses of performing.

Bolster your immune systems ahead of time by eating well, exercising, and checking with your doctor for prescription updates or problematic symptoms. Try to maintain a regular sleep and meal schedule during the tour, and make time for working out on the road.

6 – Talk About Money in the Planning Stages

It’s typical for band and crew members to receive a per diem for daily expenses, but when you’re new to touring, the band may not be able to afford this luxury. If you do offer per diems, decide on amounts upfront. And if you decide that each person should support themselves on tour, determine how to split income from the shows. Some bands use their income to cover group expenses. However you decide, be clear that everyone understands.

7 – Book Early

All of this planning can go to waste if you fail to book early for your tour bus, venues, and any lodgings along the way. Instead of waiting until slots start to fill up, make your reservations as soon as you can.

We can help you to select the best possible vehicle for your tour, matching your budget, band size, and amenities with a luxury home on wheels. Get in touch with us as soon as you nail down your itinerary, and we’ll get to work on making your first band tour a raging success!