A road manager ensures that the itinerary, equipment, venues, and support staff for a musical band’s tour are all in order. Her job is to make sure the band’s experience is organized and on time, whether they’re traveling by air or by car, which are the two most common modes of transportation for bands on tour. She could be in charge of one or two tours per year, or the band could be on the road for months at a time.
A road manager is typically expected to be involved in every detail at each venue from the time the tour schedule is finalized. She is in charge of making travel arrangements and confirming the group’s lodging and food. She is frequently expected to assist in the loading and unloading of cargo on trucks or buses if the band’s equipment and instruments are traveling with them. A road manager is usually expected to confirm the flights, times, and destinations if the goods are being transported by plane.
A road manager usually contacts the concert promoter two weeks before the scheduled event to finalize details. She usually confirms set-up and sound-check times and dates, as well as obtaining a stage and lighting schematic. She confirms the appearance of any opening acts if they are scheduled.
If the tour includes bus or vehicle caravan travel, the road manager is usually responsible for keeping the motorcade on schedule and the passengers happy. She moves among the performers and support personnel on a regular basis to ensure that there is harmony among the ranks and to dispel any seeds of discontent. If the vehicles develop mechanical problems, she is expected to have resources to deal with them, such as auto clubs or contacts along the route who can provide local referrals.
When the band and road manager arrive at their destination, the manager is usually expected to inspect the area where the band will perform, as well as the condition of the dressing rooms and the band’s entrance and exit points. She inspects the sound and lighting for quality and consistency, as well as confirming the band’s preferences with the technical engineers. She confirms the details with the stage manager if props or scenery are required for the performance.
As the show begins, the stage manager usually compares ticket sales receipts to the number of attendees to ensure that the numbers are correct. The stage manager usually collects payment for the performance at the end of the event. Before the band resumes touring, she is expected to settle all hotel and service bills.
In most cases, no formal education is required for this position. In general, aspiring road managers should make contacts in the music industry. It’s a plus if you have good organizational skills. It is highly desirable to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of personality types.