In today’s musical groups, there are a few different roadie jobs that are frequently filled. Guitar technicians, for example, as well as technicians for other types of musical instruments, are in charge of the instrument’s care, management, and configuration. Another roadie job is lighting technician, who is in charge of all aspects of lighting equipment, including wiring, lamp control, and ensuring that proper safety precautions are taken. A pyrotechnician is a roadie who is in charge of the care and use of explosive materials used to add visual and audio entertainment to live musical productions.
The management of instruments is handled by guitar and other instrument technicians. When these roadie jobs are filled, they keep musical equipment tuned, repaired, and prepared according to the needs of the musicians they work with. An instrument technician may work with a variety of instruments in some musical organizations, but in others, there may be multiple technicians who specialize in the same type of musical equipment and only work with specific pieces.
The lighting technician position is another roadie position that most bands require. Lighting technicians are in charge of all aspects of stage lighting, including balancing the use of electricity and putting together cables. Lighting technicians, for example, prepare for potential problems such as light bulbs exploding near people by installing devices such as safety mesh to prevent physical harm to people and objects. Lighting technicians also perform tasks like packing, unpacking, and focusing lights, as well as changing materials to change the color of the light during production. Furthermore, these technicians frequently connect lights to a dimmer or other intermediary equipment in order to effectively manage the lights.
The pyrotechnician is another one of the most common roadie jobs. As part of their live shows, some musical groups use pyrotechnics, which are basically fireworks that produce light, sound, or smoke in various quantities and effects. The job description for a pyrotechnician roadie includes everything from ensuring proper transportation to setup and use of pyrotechnic materials. Participating in the protechnic profession frequently necessitates specialized training and certification, depending on the jurisdiction, and is frequently linked to the use of restricted materials that would otherwise be illegal. In some jurisdictions, a lower level of protechnics certification is required, allowing the authorized person to act as a pyrotechnics assistant and assist with and use specific types of pyrotechnics material.