'Roadie Of The Month' 17 / 18

October / November

  

1/ Name?

Adrian Shinn (AJ) 

2/ Hometown?  

There's not many places I haven’t lived so it's a hometown gig wherever I go!

But I was born in Townsville Nth QLD grew up mostly in Victoria

 3/ Currently Reside?

 Gold Coast QLD  

 4/ Role?

(Part Time) Varying roles from TM, Merch, Driver, Stage, Psychiatrist, Mum, Dad, Problem Solver, lifting heavy things  

 5/ Years on the road?

10 years and counting and due for long service leave

 6/ First band you ever worked for?

SUNK LOTO, check out their (Between Birth & Death) album if you haven’t

7/ Favourite AUS venue?

There’s a few and even though it’s not around anymore I’m going to say The Annandale Hotel Sydney but The Forum in Melbourne as well just because it’s a cool looking room and great venue to deal with

 8/ Favourite AUS Bar or Restaurant?

A few haunts I visit are Yellow Bird /Heartbreakers/The Cherry Bar Melbourne

Eddies Grub house here on the Gold Coast (Insert Stacey Paton Cooly hand signals here) represent! Coolangatta

 9/ When and where was your first OS tour?

Japan / China I think 2014/15 both places are awesome loved japan especially the food

 10/ Favourite OS country to tour?

 Anywhere I Europe

 11/ Favourite OS venue?

Probably Hollywood Palladium, HOB in Las Vegas or The Bowery Ballroom New York based on the acts I’ve seen there

 12/ Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?

A Few - Crowbar London, Duffs Brooklyn NY

Bar Bakkari – Helsinki Finland I love a good rock bar

 13/ Last three bands you have toured with?

Cog, The Butterfly Effect, Mammal

 14/ What three tools are the most important to your role?

Other than working with a few tools and depending on role a torch, gaff tape and a sense of humor, which I often lose otherwise pelican containing mobile office printer laptop etc.

 15/ What are the three things you can’t leave for tour without?

Phone, clean jocks and Roadsick laundry bag stuffed full of training gear and supplements which is also great for dirty sweaty clothes

 16/ What’s your drink of choice after the truck is packed?

None as I am usually driving the Truck! But I am partial to a cheeky beer mostly Pale Ales, Newtowner, Fat Yak, Fifty Lashes to name a few if anyone from these companies read this feel free to send me some cases for the free promo! Young Henry’s where you at?

 17/ Who’s the most played artist on your iPod?

 Currently new albums from Clutch – Book of bad decisions, Alice In Chains Rainer Fog, otherwise mix of anything from rock metal punk hardcore Hip Hop, 80’s classic hits and some Kevin Bloody Wilson for a good laugh

 18/ What’s your favorite band / album of all time?

So many but Definitely CLUTCH!  Been fortunate to work 3 tours for them and they are not only a great fucking band, but great guys followed close second SLAYERRRRRRRR

Fav album - Appetite for Destruction as it introduced me to beer and girls!  Even as a 12-yr. old

 19/ What’s your favourite book / Podcast?

Book – The evolution of a Cro Magnon- John Joseph great read plus I’m a huge fan of Cro Mags/Bloodclot

Podcast/ Joe Rogan experience or The Fighter and the kid with Brendan Schaub/Brian Callen

 20/ Any great websites out there for people to check out?

Other than Roadsick.com.au, No 

Although not a website I tend to check out a lot of funny shit on Instagram

Brown Cardigan, thebeastufc, mcdojolife and gymfuckery to name a few if you want a good laugh the world has some strange and funny fuckers out there

 21/ What do you do when you are not on the road?

Spend time with my partner and our 2 dogs, I love and am heavily addicted to BJJ (Brazilian Ju Jitsu) and  Muay Thai so I love to choke  hit and smash things (in a controlled environment obviously) shout out to FIGHT CLUB BJJ n BOONCHU Muay Thai Gym with the legend John Wayne Parr here at Burleigh n Miami on the Gold Coast

Also, an avid vinyl collector love playing  guitar and mad as hell AFL supporter and follow the mighty Hawthorn FC

 18/ Words of Wisdom?

(Some) People are arseholes. Just make sure you’re not the toilet paper! 

Not really wisdom but always loved this “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face” – Mike Tyson, relates well to touring as shit never goes to plan 

19/ You can contact me on?

Adrianshinn@gmail.com

Instagram – shinndigs76, you can also send money donations too if you like.

The Butterfly Effect reunion tour early this year in Fremantle Perth WA , one of my fav places to tour other than  Tasmania and always love visiting the legendary BON SCOTT statue and pay homage to one of rocks greatest frontman.

Cotton slinging for my fav people/band the boys in COG who I met on my first tour with Sunk Loto  “can I get a shirt” yeah mate which one? “the Black one!” which Black one there all Black

What size you after? “What size do you think I am?”  I am  not your mother, so you tell me !  AHHHHH the perils of selling merch I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Strapping on the 8-banger chug stick thinking I can handle Meshuggah’s heaviness at The Tivoli #Roadiesarepeopletoo

To get balance I do a lot of physical activity including Muay Thai and BJJ. I find the benefits as good for my head as well as my body and it’s a great stress release. At 42 I still feel great and highly recommend to anyone of all ages n fitness levels.

July / August 2018

1/ Name?

Taylor Bingley

2/ Hometown?

Cornwall, Ontario, Canada

3/ Currently Reside?

Cornwall, Ontario, Canada

4/ Role(s)?

TM / PM, Guitar / Bass Tech & Audio Engineer

5/ Years on the road?

11 Years

6/ First band you ever worked for?

My first national touring gig was FOH for the Celtic rock band GLENGARRY BHOYS. Weekend warriors !!

ANVIL was my first national gig as TM / FOH. It would be a disservice to heavy metal not to give them a shoutout \m/ \m/

7/ Favourite AUS venue?

Had to include my fav Canadian and US venues as well!
Australia = Palace Theatre, Melbourne (RIP), Canada = Metropolis / M-Telus, Montreal QC, USA = Stage AE, Pittsburg, PA

8/ Favourite AUS Bar or Restaurant?

Restaurant: Cookie, Melbourne - www.cookie.net.au

Bar(s): Cherry Bar, Melbourne - Frankie's Pizza, Sydney - Honourable mention goes out to Woggo's Place. #FAMILY

9/ When and where was your first OS tour?

10 week Euro Tour with Gojira in 2012. Supporting Metallica, Slayer, and Mastodon on select dates. I mean, if that’s not your idea of the ULTIMATE tour, we can’t be friends.

10/ Favourite OS country to tour?

It's a tie between Japan & Australia

11/ Favourite OS venue(s)?

Ancienne Belgique (AB) - Brussels, Belgium (Best Crew)

Doornroosje - Nijmegen, Netherlands (This venue is from the future and has one of the only truck rotation lifts in the world...seriously google "truck rotation lift"

The Bikini - Toulouse, France (Catering + Swimming Pool)

12/ Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?

Sushi K Kamizato - Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

La Pancha - Ondres, France

Munchies - Oslo, Norway

13/ Last three bands you have toured with?

Gojira, Mastodon & Stromae

14/ What three tools are the most important to your role?

Laptop, Tech Workbox & Patience

15/ What are the three things you can’t leave for tour without?

My Watch

My Printer (aka Printouze The IV)

My Roadsick Laundry Bag

16/ What’s your drink of choice after the truck is packed?

“COOOOOOLD BEEEEEEER” - (spoken in the voice of my bro, Eddie Meade)

17/ Who’s the most played artist on your ipod?

Currently = Bokassa & Great American Ghost

All-Time = Hatebreed

18/ Whats your favourite band / album of all time?

Pantera - The Great Southern Trendkill

19/ Whats your favourite book / Podcast ?

Book = The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

Podcast = The Joe Rogan Experience

20/ Any great websites out there for people to check out?

 www.silvercordstudio.com = shameless promo ;)

https://www.disclose.tv/ = I’m a bit of a conspiracy nut ha! This site can be pretty entertaining at times. Must be taken with a grain of salt.

21/ What do you do when you are not on the road?

Hang with he Fam & my GF

Spoiling my pup Cora (@me_vs_the_mailman)

Watching NFL

22/ Words of Wisdom?

Honesty - Humility - Loyalty

Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done

23/ You can contact me on?

Facebook - Taylor Bingley

Instagram - Killer_Bongley

Snapchat - Deathb4goof

Red Rocks Gtr Toss: Another Red Rocks pic, this time with 9000 people in attendance. Had to include this one as it is officially the longest guitar toss Joe and I have ever done. 

L'Enfant Sauvage Russia 2012: This is a pic from the very first show of the L'Enfant Sauvage Headline tour in Europe, Oct 21, 2012. Location - Moscow, Russia. 

Dynamo Fest 2017: The calm before the storm that is Gojira! This pic was taken at their first major headline festival appearance at Dynamo festival in The Netherlands. Magma cycle, summer 2017. 

Metallica US 2017: University of Phoenix Stadium with Metallica. Their stage and production is so immense, it left us completely exposed on their mega-wide stage. This is a shot of guitar world, stage left.

 

May / June 2018
1/ Name?
David "Skan" LePage 
2/ Hometown?
Melbourne, Australia 
3/ Currently Reside?
Blairgowrie on Victorias Mornington Peninsula 
4/ Role?
Drum Tech 
5/ Years on the road?
16 
6/ First band you ever worked for?
Atreyu... My band was supporting them on an Australian tour and they needed a tech so it was an easy fix having someone already on the tour to do the job. It turned out i found it a little more satisfying providing a good show for a performer than actually performing myself and started pursuing teching.
7/ Favourite AUS venue?
The Forum, Melbourne 
8/ Favourite AUS Bar or Restaurant?
If its date night then Smith and Daughters in Melbourne but i'll be more than happy at any Lord of the Fries location Australia wide. 
9/ When and where was your first OS tour?
My very first OS tour was 2008 with Parkway Drive, Carpathian and On Broken Wings throughout mainland Europe and the UK. 
10/ Favourite OS country to tour?
I'm a big fan of Scandinavia so any of the northern european countries are always great to work through. My favorite metal festival is Copenhell Festival in Denmark which leans heavily on a fun viking theme and has so many great quirks like a blacksmith workshop and archery for anyone not watching bands. 
11/ Favourite OS venue?
My favorites are some of the old German silos and abandoned factories which have been re purposed as larger capacity venues... the amenities aren't particularly fantastic but its a pretty epic location to watch transfer into a venue from a hollow shell throughout the day. 
12/ Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?
Swingers Diner in LA is as good as it gets for me. 
13/ Last three bands you have toured with?
Parkway Drive, Thy Art Is Murder, Peking Duk 
14/ What three tools are the most important to your role?
Drum key, a black sheet to cover the drums before performance and anything else you can always just steal from the guitar tech.
15/ What are the three things you can’t leave for tour without?
My film camera, 15 pairs of underwear incase I miss the first wash day and my in-ears. 
16/ What’s your drink of choice after the truck is packed?
Peppermint Tea (35 going on 75) 
17/ Who’s the most played artist on your ipod?
Nick cave ... as i primarily work for metal bands i don't like anything with too much pep while on tour, dark and moody all the way. 
18/ Whats your favourite band / album of all time?
The album that speaks to me the most in my later years is Witness by Modern Life is War ... songs of touring, self refection and being suffocated while in constant momentum which is a pretty common feeling for a lot of touring musicians and workers. 
19/ Whats your favourite book / Podcast?
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins 
20/ Any great websites out there for people to check out?
A series on youtube called the art of photography is a great one for me as i think every roadie needs a hobby on tour which isn't just excessive drinking. 
21/ What do you do when you are not on the road?
Im lucky enough to live in one of the nicest locations in Victoria. So I take a lot of long walks through the coastal paths along the peninsula and shoot weddings in my touring gaps. 
22/ Words of Wisdom?
Have an end game 
23/ You can contact me on?
My travels are probably best documented on instagram ... @davelepage_
March 2018

1/ Name?

Anthony “ Antho” Mathews

 2/ Hometown?

Ipswich, Queensland

 3/ Currently Reside?

Brisbane, Queensland

 4/ Role?

Monitor & FOH Engineer / Tour Manager

 5/ Years on the road?

13

 6/ First band you ever worked for?

Repeat Offender, 2006

7/ Favourite AUS venue?

The Tivoli, Hands Down

 8/ Favourite AUS Bar or Restaurant?

Navala Churrascaria Brisbane (Brazilian BBQ)

 9/ When and where was your first OS tour?

2008, America

10/ Favourite OS country to tour?

UK

 11/ Favourite OS venue?

The Norva – Norfolk Virginia – Has an arcade and basketball court back stage. Well it did.

12/ Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?

Max Burger - Sweden

 13/ Last three bands you have toured with?

Peking Duk, The Jungle Giants, Parkway Drive

 14/ What three tools are the most important to your role?

In ear monitors, Clean RF, Good Crew

 15/ What are the three things you can’t leave for tour without?

Laptop, The stupid adaptor for your headphones for iphone, Nike Free Runs ( Need that arch support! )

 16/ What’s your drink of choice after the truck is packed?

Show nights – Coconut Water or a virgin dirty steve - Vodka redbull, hold the vodka

Day Off – Hendricks Gin with Tonic and Cucumber

 17/ Who’s the most played artist on your ipod?

This month it is Bon Iver

18/ Whats your favourite band / album of all time?

Blink 182 – Enema of the state

Frenzal Rhomb – San Souci

19/ Whats your favourite book / Podcast ?

Book – Everyone loves you when you are dead – Neil Straus

Podcast – Stuff You Should Know

20/ Any great websites out there for people to check out?

X 

21/ What do you do when you are not on the road?

Bodyboard, exercise, spend time with friends and family

 22/ Words of Wisdom?

Go cheap, pay twice.

We have a pretty cool job at the end of the day, we see more of the world in a year than most people see in their entire life so make the most of it.

 23/ You can contact me on?

My pager

Monitor Parkway Drive 2018

  Monitors Ball Park Music Groovin the Moo -  2015

 Monitors for Flight Facilities with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, 2015

Monitors Violent Soho - Laneway Festival 2016

FOH - The Amity Affliction - 2015

Violent Soho huddle 2016

 

December - January 2017 /18

 1/   Name?

Darren 'Bubbs' Sanders

  

2/   Hometown?

Atlanta, GA, USA

 

3/   Currently Reside?

Brooklyn, NY, USA

 

4/  Role?

Prod Mgr, Stage Mgr, Gtr / Bass Tech

 

5/   Years on the road?

19 years

 

6/   First band you ever worked for?

The Casualties

 

7/   Favourite US venue?

Tough one. Stage AE in Pittsburgh?

 

8/   Favourite US Bar or Restaurant?

ELMYR in Atlanta GA

 

9/   When and where was your first OS tour?

1999 / 2000 Europe tour w/ Casualties

 

10/ Favourite OS country to tour?

Tie between Greece & Australia

 

11/  Favourite OS venue?

ANY venue in Japan. The efficiency is incredible

 

12/ Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?

Cherry Bar in Melbourne Australia

 

13/ Last three bands you have toured with?

Slipknot, Lamb of God, Panic! at the disco

 

14/ What three tools are the most important to your role?

Positive attitude, Strobe Tuner, Comfy Shoes!

 

15/ What are the three things you can’t leave for tour without?

Fully loaded ipod, Mono backpack loaded with everything for if / when my suitcase goes missing. Leaving random love notes for the lady at home to ease the blow of having to leave home for months at a time

 

16/ What’s your drink of choice after the truck is packed?

Vodka / Soda / Cranberry. Trying my damnedest to not be a fat ass out here

 

17/  Who’s the most played artist on your ipod?

Colin Hay / Sam Cooke

 

18/ Words of Wisdom?

Pay attn to everything, always. Don’t become too close / attached as things change in a fucking heartbeat!

 

19/ You can contact me on?

Mobile, Facebook, Instagram

 

 

October 2017

 

 

1/ Name?

Luke Johnston, but more commonly known as Boo

2/ Hometown?

Sydney

 3/ Currently Reside?

Melbourne

 4/ Role?

Tour Manager, Guitar / Stage Tech & Production Manager

 5/ Years on the road?

2001- Present

 6/ First band you ever worked for?

Brace / Nokturnal  

7/ Favourite AUS venue?

It’s a toss-up between the Tivoli in Brisbane or the Enmore in Sydney (Rider costs excluded in decision making process)

 8/ Favorite AUS Bar or Restaurant?

Bars - Again it’s between The Landsowne or Crowbar Brisbane OR Cherry Bar because that’s where I met my fiancé

Restaurants – Mary’s Newtown or Sichuan house Melbourne

 9/ When and where was your first OS tour?

UK 2008

 10/  Favourite OS country to tour?

Anywhere in Europe - Holland and Germany are my top picks

 11/  Favourite OS venue?

Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon Portugal, it was the first venue I ever worked a show in Portugal and walking in there was just epic 

 12/  Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?

Bars - The old Max Fish, Lower East side NYC, just for the mates and good times but there are too many to narrow this down to one.

Restaurants – Il Latini in Florence or any number of Sichuan joints around the world.

13/  Last three bands you have toured with?

The Jezabels

Alex Lahey

Frenzal Rhomb 

14/  What three tools are the most important to your role?

  • A brain
  • Patience
  • A torch

 15/  What are the three things you can’t leave for tour without?

  • 3 types of hot sauce
  • Socks / Jocks
  • Woggo’s number for family face times

16/  What’s your drink of choice after the truck is packed?

Jack on the rocks or a shit beer

Patron Reposado for the hotel, or just more Jack

 17/  Who’s the most played artist on your ipod?

The Yoda ‘Seagulls’ track by Bad Lip Reading

Otherwise it’s Rocket From The Crypt

18/ What’s your favourite Band / Album of all time?

Rocket From The Crypt or anything John Reis related.. that and Powerage AC/DC

 19/ What’s your Favourite Book / Podcast ?

Audiobook – Toast of London, Toast on toast Cautionary tales and candid advice

Book – To Kill a Mockingbird- where I got the nick name Boo when I was in year 7… I never paid attention to the book, but finally read it with intent a few years back… turns out its pretty good…  

20/ Any great websites out there for people to check out?

Goodvibesguitars.com.au (active but still working out the bugs)

 21/  What do you do when you are not on the road?

Walks and hangs with my fiancé Clackas and my pup Ian.

 Re watch every star wars movie

I also do run a guitar service /repair / custom builds workshop in Northcote (Good Vibes Guitars)

 18/  Words of Wisdom?

A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind.... All his life has he looked away...to the future, to the horizon. Never
August 2017
Will Cunliffe
(Last Day Laneway Festival 2017)
1/ Name?
Will Cunliffe
2/ Hometown?
Tamworth
3/ Currently Reside?
Brisbane
4/ Role?
Guitar Tech / Stage Tech
5/ Years on the road?
6 years
6/ First band you ever worked for ?
Dead Letter Circus
7/ Favourite AUS venue ?
The Tivoli in Brisbane
8/ Favourite AUS Bar or Restaurant ?
McDonalds at 3am after load out
9/ When and where was your first OS tour?
2013 - North America
10/ Favourite OS country to tour?
Germany
11/ Favourite OS venue?
Not sure, somewhere in Europe
12/ Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?
Saltlick, Texas
13/ Last three bands you have toured with ?
Big Scary, Dope Lemon & Dua Lipa
14/ What three tools are the most important to your role ?
Peterson Tuner
Torch
Multimeter
15/ What are the three things you can’t leave for tour without ?
Socks
Jocks
Ipad
16/ What’s your drink of choice after the truck is packed ?
Whatever the rider spiders have left in the greenroom
17/ Who’s the most played artist on your ipod?
The 12th man
18/ Words of Wisdom?
Everyday's a school day
19/ You can contact me on?
willum_@hotmail.com
instagram = willia_mc
"Making the best of a shitty situation in Tasmania"
Day off pint with Bozzy in London at the Cross Keys
Sometimes you get lucky and get to do some ok things on tour. That was the case here with a private jet from Amsterdam to somewhere in Norway with a strip search upon arrival.
Glastonbury 2016 with Matt Corby
 
 
 
Oslo airport mid 2016, after the photo was taken we were called for boarding. Everyone assumed that someone else would have woken me up. Woke up to an empty waiting area and made the flight by 2 minutes.

June / July 2017

Andie Reid

 

1/ Name?

Andie Reid

 

2/ Hometown?

RADelaide.

 

3/ Currently Reside?

Melbourne

 

4/ Role?

Tour Manager. Sound Guy. Stage Manager. Cocktail Maker.

 

5/ Years on the road?

11 years

 

6/ First band you ever worked for ?

Karnivool and Mere Theroy

 

7/ Favourite AUS venue ?

The Forum, Melbourne or The Tivoli in Brisbane

 

8/ Favourite AUS Bar or Restaurant ?

The Beaufort and Ike’s in Carlton, Victoria. A great dive bar with smoked meats and burgers.

 

9/ When and where was your first OS tour?

David Strassman, Denmark 2007

 

10/ Favourite OS country to tour?

Germany. Great Venues. Great Crew. Great Punters. Great Catering. Great Beers.

 

11/ Favourite OS venue?

The AB, Brussles

 

12/  Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?

The Brass Monkey. Edinburgh. A great dive bar with couch filled cinema.

 

13/ Last three bands you have toured with ?

The Cat Empire.

Dan Sultan.

Seth Sentry.

 

14/ What three tools are the most important to your role ?

Torch.

Printer, A4 paper and Sharpies.

Leatherman / Knife.

 

15/ What are the three things you can’t leave for tour without ?

Clean Underwear and Socks.

Layrite “Super Hold” Pomade.

First Aid kit.

Roadsick T shirts.

 

16/ What’s your drink of choice after the truck is packed ?

A nice cold Larger or Champagne.

 

17/ Who’s the most played artist on your ipod?

Run The Jewels. The Bronx.

 

18/ Words of Wisdom?

Take time to see the places while you are on tour. It’s really easy to stay on the bus / hotel and not take a place in. Go for a walk. See the sights. Try a local beer or weird food. Make the most of it! It’s the best job in the world!

 

19/ You can contact me on?

andieissound@gmail.com

instagram @andieissound

 

“Beers as big as your head.” I love touring in Germany.

 

The 2016 Cat Empire Australian Crew, repping Roadsick T shirts in NSW.

 

 Monitor World, Groving the Moo 2015 w/ the Hilltop Hoods.

 

Classic Drum Stitch Up, The Cat Empire. The Forum, Melbourne 2016.

 

When you lose a bet on a Karnivool Tour… ‘The King’ Bigdayout 2008.

 

‘Don’t F**k with the Stage Manager!’ Falls Festival, 2015.

 

May 2017
Ian Norrington
1/ Name?
Ian Norrington
2/ Hometown?
East London home of the mighty West Ham Utd!
3/ Currently Reside?
Sydney / LA
4/ Role?
Tour Security / Venue / Bodyguard / Bag Carrier/ Last person to be considered
Have also Tour Managed 
5/ Years on the road?
19
6/ First band you ever worked for?

Can't remember first band

7/ Favourite Australian venue?

 Burswood Dome now its gone! Worst venue ever!!!! Fucking airlock doors!!!!

8/ Favourite Australian bar or restaurant?

Smith and Daughters, Fitzroy

9/ When was your first overseas tour?

South east Asia with E17 in later 90's

10/ Favourite overseas country to tour?

South America in general 

 11/ Favourite overseas venue?

Hollywood Bowl

12/ Favourite overseas bar or restaurant?

Crossroads in LA 

13/ Last three bands you have toured with?

Justin Bieber, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris 

 14/ What three tools are most important to your role?

Flashlight, big knife, coffee!

 15/ What are the three things you can't leave for tour without?

Trigger point roller ( hotel beds are shit, my back is fucked)
Vegan protein powder
A mental filter to block out all the fools!

16/ What's your drink of choice after the truck is packed?

Water! Straight Edge

17/ Who's the most played artist on your iPod?

Architects "all our gods....." 

18/ Words of wisdom?

Stay humble and don't take it personal, they will all break your heart! 

 19/ You can contact me on?

Don't call I am trying to retire!  

March / April 2017
Madeleine Spence
Lucy Jade Hind
Sheree Blake
                     

1/ Name?

Madeleine ‘Mad Dog’ Spencer (MS)

Lucy Jade Hind (LJH)

Sheree Blake (SB)

  

2/ Hometown?

(MS)    Busselton, WA

(LJH)   Mandurah, WA

(SB)     Adelaide, SA

 

3/ Currently Reside?

(MS)    Melbourne, VIC

(LJH)   Melbourne, VIC

(SB)     Sydney, NSW

 

4/ Role?

(MS)    Currently working between theatre show Book Of Mormon and touring merch manager for Dune Rats.

(LJH)   Tour Manager mostly but I also work as an: Assistant TM, Merch Seller/Manager, Driver/Runner, Stage Manager, VIP Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator and I am currently learning Lighting and Backline. Plus I have worked as an Artist Manager, Event Manager and Promoter in the past.

(SB)     I work as Head Of Partnership across Australia & New Zealand for Wanderlust – managing merch is my much-loved side gig.

 

5/ Years in the music industry?

 (MS)    9 years (on and off)

(LJH)   11 years

            (SB)     I've been selling merch for about 4 years officially, unofficially, around 6. Seeing these bands I'm now working for … around 20 or so.

 

6/ First band you ever worked for?

(MS)    Missy Higgins was my first ever show in merchandise, first tour I ever worked on was Paul Kelly.

(LJH)   The first band I ever managed was a WA band “Indigo” that are still kicking it and the first band I worked for, as a TM was “iwrestledabearonce”.

(SB)     'Worked' is a term I'd use loosely.....I just walked behind the merch desk at Floating Me's debut gig in Adelaide because nobody was there selling, and there were a few people milling around wanting to buy. I did the same to Closure In Moscow, and to sleepmakeswaves not long after….and I still work for both of these bands to this day, just in a more official capacity.

 

7/ Favorite Australian venue?

(MS)    Kings Park, Perth but I work there so I might be a little biased. I think it’s one of the most beautiful inner city places in the country.

(LJH)   There’s still so many I have yet to experience so I couldn’t possibly choose. Although, 170 Russell has become my second home lately.

(SB)     The Enmore Theatre, Sydney.

 

8/ Last three bands you have toured with?

            (MS)    Dune Rats, Karnivool and Rufus.

            (LJH)   The last three full tours were with: Enslaved, The Troggs and Voyager.

            (SB)     I've just come off of the Sydney shows for Fallujah, Plini and Animals As Leaders. I'm based in Sydney due to my job role, so I generally have to stay local at the moment – I can't complain because the variety of acts I see and number of people I meet is amazing!  

  

9/ Favourite Australian Bar or Restaurant?

(MS)    
Supper Club, Melbourne. More for fond memories and late opening hours than anything else but the espresso martinis and toasted sandwiches are a pretty great time.

(LJH)   Frankie’s in Sydney. No question about it. Their pizza is ridiculous.

(SB)     For post-show drinks, it's always Frankie's, Opera Bar for beer and the iconic Sydney views, particularly for international bands. Restaurants....Sydney's Inner West has great Vietnamese - PHD on Illawarra Rd in Marrickville is my go-to, Bondi is best for wholefoods and burgers....think Bondi Harvest and Bondi Tony's. And when in Byron, The Roadhouse for absolutely everything!

 

10/ Have you toured OS?

(MS)    I toured New Zealand with the last ACDC but that’s my only overseas run so far.

(LJH)   I’m going overseas on tour for the first time next month with Protest The Hero for a show in NZ and am aiming to lock in more extensive OS tours

within the coming months.

(SB)     No, but it is on the to-do list.   I do tend to catch up with the bands I work for in Australia when I travel overseas though...the extended band family is one of my favourite things about the merch game!

 

12/ Favourite OS venue?

 (MD)    I’ve only worked a couple of Arenas in NZ on ACDC so I couldn’t really say workwise. As an attendee I loved Brooklyn Bowl in NYC (bowling and bands together, genius), and the Les Deferlantes festival site in Argeles Sur Mer is a truly beautiful setting. Trust the south of France to have mountains, beaches, vineyards and a beautiful chateau all in one place.

 

 13/ Favourite OS Bar or Restaurant?

 (MD)    Creperie Broceliande in Montmartre, Paris. The crepes are what heaven must taste like

 

 14/ What 3 tools are the most important to your role?

 (MD)    Lights, T - pins and a friendly disposition. And I know it’s four… but everyone needs gaffa tape.

(LJH)   Gaffa tape, laptop and sharpies.

(SB)     Good pins to display tees, my MacBook so I can run a sales spreadsheet, and my Roadsick tee/leather mini combo. Seriously....point of sale is key! Anything else - gaff, Sharpies, etc – can be scrounged up at a venue, and don’t really contribute to generating sales.

 

15/ What are the 3 things you cant leave for tour without? 


(MD)    My travel pillow, my slippers and my pink pelican case (I always know which one is mine!)

(LJH)   Noise cancelling headphones, custom moulded ear plugs and whatever new hoodie I’ve become obsessed with.

(SB)     My MacBook, iPhone and a Roadsick tee or three.

 

16/ What's your drink of choice after the truck is packed? 
 

(MD)    Peppermint tea is my favourite at work but a Jamesons on ice or a beer is always welcome at the end of the night.

(LJH)   Any good craft beer I can get my hands on. Shower beers for days.

(SB)     Water, vodka or beer – generally, and preferably, in that order.

 

 17/ Who's the most played artist on your ipod? 


 (MS)    At the moment it’s probably pretty even between Childish Gambino and Mazzy Star.

(LJH)   It’s currently a tie between Motley Crue and Birds of Tokyo.

(SB)     This year to date it’s Gojira, meshuggah, The Contortionist, Faith No More and sleepmakeswaves.

 

18/ What do you do when you’re not on the road?

            (MS)    I love brunches, the beach and catching up on movies and TV shows while I’m at home the first few days… Post recovery I like hikes and getting out to the country. I do a bit of venue work as a front of house manager and merch for lots of kids shows between runs too.

(LJH)   Attend shows, travel when possible, drink ALL of the beer with mates and at the moment I’m focusing on a couple of projects I plan to launch later this year.

 (SB)     I work....my job is a big one, but I love it! And when I'm not working, I'm at the beach, hiking, seeing a lot of bands, eating good food, reading and attempting to see friends. Travelling and sleeping, though I don’t do enough of either, are both in there too.

 

19/ Words of Wisdom?

            (MS)    Girls can be roadies too!

(LJH)   Another person’s opinion of you says more about them than it does about you.

(SB)   Do what makes you feel most alive, Spend time in nature - it's good for the soul (so is laughter, so do this too), Don’t be a c*nt.

 

20/ You can contact me on?

            (MS)    maddie.spencer@gmail.com  

            (LJH)   lucy@jadeartistservices.com or www.jadeartistservices.com

            (SB)     merch@shereeblake.com / Instagram - shereeblake

 

February 2017 - Kester Sappho
 
1/ Name?
Kester Sappho
2/ Hometown?
Fremantle, WA
3/ Currently Reside?
Freo
4/ Role?
Tour Manager
5/ Years on the road?
When I was around 16, I lied about my age to an interstate band, the hired me to sell merch on their WA Regional tour. That snowballed & for the next few years, anytime interstate or international bands came to Perth I'd jump on their Metro or regional tours. So that would make it 20 years - EEEP!!
6/ First band you ever worked for?

28 Days & Frenzal Rhomb (I can't actually remember which was first?)

7/ Favourite Australian venue?

Meeniyan Town Hall, Victoria. The venue is run by this loveable, legend named Ian Bevington, the room & stage is tiny with tables and chairs set with red & white gingham tablecloths. Punters are encouraged to bro food & share amongst other groups. It's the smallest room with the biggest vibe. Backstage is a roaring open fire up one end of the room and a kitchen done the other. Ian and his family cook up an amazing feast and encourage the tour party to eat dinner together at one massive communal table. It feels like the homeliest home away from home.

8/ Favourite Australian bar or restaurant?

It's a tie between two very special establishments; "The Local" in South Freo. A bright, comfy, casual pub, near the beach. It has counter meals and a good range of booze. I know I can head there on my lonesome and I'm guaranteed to bump into a friend. They also book me to DJ, so basically I just play records to pay off my bar tab. It's a win / win situation really... Other fave is "Strange Company" in Freo. It's on the higher end of the spectrum. It's fancy but you can still rock up in shorts and thongs from the beach and feel at home. Their food and booze selection is out of this world and their kitchen is open until they close the doors. So it's rad if your looking for an after show feed.

9/ When was your first overseas tour?

Feb 2002, North America with Frenzal Rhomb. I was selling merch, driving and sharing some TM duties. We did the 'Fat Tour' with NOFX, Mad Caddies & Fabulous disaster. We did 27 shows in 28 days in a motorhome, which stank by the end of the tour because one of the dudes took a shit in the toilet within the first couple of days. It just became a methane machine for the rest of the month (No pooping on the bus!). It is the still, hands down, one of the funniest / craziest tours I've ever done!

10/ Favourite overseas country to tour?

Germany & North America

 11/ Favourite overseas venue?

Red Rocks, Colorado or The Gorge, Washington. They both seem like obvious choices but they're breathtakingly stunning.

12/ Favourite overseas bar or restaurant?

So many joy places to eat / drink that I've been to OS, but I'd say "Cochon Butcher" in New Orleans & this recommendations is coming from a vegetarian. It's super meat heavy but their veg options are delicious & they're a good bar. Plus it's in New Orleans (One of my favourite cities).

13/ Last three bands you have toured with?

I've been a one band TM for the last 7 years for John Butler Trio & they keep me plenty busy. They are between album cycles at the moment, so I recently toured with Peter Garrett on his solo album tour, which was rad. I rarely get starstruck, but every now and again I'd catch myself thinking "That's Peter Fucking Garrett".

 14/ What three tools are most important to your role?

(A) My signature leopard print gaffe tape, all my band / crew know anything stuck down with that gaff relates to our tour.

(B) Smart Phone ( I dunno how we ever toured without them).

(C) Muesli Bars - Hangry musicians are the worst!

 15/ What are the three things you can't leave for tour without?

Skipping rope, comfy sneakers, belt clip lanyard thingo; which I gaff a sharpie & a torch off.

16/ What's your drink of choice after the truck is packed?

Jameson, neat or on the rocks or a nice glass of red.

17/ Who's the most played artist on your iPod?

D'Angelo
Beyonce
Beastie Boys

18/ Words of wisdom?

Hire a motorbike or a car and when you get a day or to off, GTFO of town and hoon around somewhere, go and see the world while you're in it. It's so easy to hide away in your hotel room on off days, but you'll never regret getting away from the wolf pack for a day or two and having a little adventure.

Also, exercise. I really have to make time to work out. Easy options are yoga or running, however I tour with a pair of boxing gloves, some pads and the aforementioned skipping rope. You can team up with another member of your tour party and punch the shit out of each other (well, the pads). It keeps me happy, fit, healthy and the demons at bay.

 19/ You can contact me on?

kester@jarrahrecords.com 

 

Photo #1

 

EMMA GOODLAND (L) IS THE WAIFS & DAN SULTANS TM, KEA SHEPPARD (MIDDLE) WORKS FOR SPINNING TOP & TM’S POND AND OTHER ARTISTS ON SPINNING TOP. THIS WAS TAKEN AT A GIG IN HOBART WHERE ALL 3 BANDS ON THE BILL WERE TM’D BY WOMEN. I AM SO PROUD TO BE WOMAN IN THIS MALE DOMINANT INDUSTRY, I'M ALWAYS STOKED WHEN I HEAR OF AND SEE MORE WOMEN TOURING AND WORKING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.  

 

Photo #2 

 

DAY OFF IN, DETROIT WITH SOME OF OUR TOUR PARTY. I’M SO LUCKY TO WORK WITH A HIGH CALIBRE OF LEGENDS WHO I ACTUALLY WANT TO HANG OUT WITH ON DAY’S OFF

 

Photo #3

 

A FESTIVAL WE DID IN FRANCE WERE DOING FREE TATTOO’S BACKSTAGE, MYSELF, JOHN BUTLER & ONE OF THE GUYS IN OUR CREW ALL GOT TATTOO’S!! SOOOO SICK!! TCB⚡️ (TAKING CARE of BUSINESS) 

 

Photo #4 

 

THIS IS STEVE GRANVILLE (L) AND PATRICK MEYER (R) (BOTH PREVIOUS ROADIES OF THE MONTH) AND I ON PUSHIES IN ANTWERP, BELGIUM, WE HAD A DAY OFF AND DECIDED TO HAVE AN ADVENTURE. WE GOT OBSESSED WITH BADMINTON AT A FESTIVAL AND PLAYED IT FOR HOURS, SO WE DECIDED TO HIRE BIKES AND RIDE THEM OUT TO A SPORT STORE PURCHASE A BADMINTON SET TO PLAY ON TOUR. YOU COULD ONLY USE THE BIKES FOR 20 MIN INTERVALS, & YOU HAD TO WAIT 30 MINS UNTIL YOU CAN HIRE ANOTHER ONE, SO WE’D PICK UP BIKES & RIDE THEM AS FAR AS WE COULD GET IN 20 MINS, RETURN THEM, HAVE A BEER, PICK UP NEW BIKES AND SO ON. SO MANY ACTIVITIES, SO MANY BEERS!! 

Photo #5

 

MY VIEW ON STAGE, THIS IS SOMEWHERE IN SWITZERLAND WITH JOHN BUTLER. I LOVE PEOPLE WATCHING FROM STAGE. SOME OF THE GREATEST DANCE MOVES!!  

 

Photo #6

 ROOOOOADTRIP!!!!! - COUPLE OF US HIRED MOTORBIKES; I RODE THIS BEAST FROM LAS VEGAS TO THE GRAND CANYON (AND BACK). THIS SHOT WAS TAKEN MOMENTS AFTER I GOT A FLAT TYRE, JUST NORTH OF THE GRAND CANYON. THAT IS MARBLE CANYON BEHIND ME, IT, WAS, FUCKING, HOT - ONE OF THE BEST ROADTRIP'S OF MY LIFE!! (BTW - I’M BEING IRONIC WITH MY AMERICAN FLAG SKULL CAP AND I DID WEAR A HELMET & A PROPER JACKET, DID I MENTION IT WAS HOT!!??)

January 2017 - Simon Gallacher
 
1/ Name?
Simon Gallacher
2/ Hometown?
Glasgow, Scotland
3/ Currently Reside?
London, UK
4/ Role?
Tour Manager (Letlive. & Creeper)
Promoter's Rep for Live Nation
5/ Years on the road?
10 as of 2017
6/ First band you ever worked for?

I started promoting Glasgow shows in 2001. The first band I did was Leftover Crack, then started touring in 2008 with a band Called The Korovas and went on from there.

 

7/ Favourite UK venue?

Barrowlands, Glasgow – 16 flights of stairs up (yes, you read that correct). I crewed here for many years & it taught me to shut up & get the job done – there’s no messing about at this venue, especially with the crew! I saw so many shows growing up here, as well as working – Cypress Hill, Green Day, Offspring, Machine Head, Slipknot but to name a few.

 

8/ Favourite UK bar or resturant?

The 13th Note Café / bar in Glasgow – where I put on my first ever show. Great vibe, nice & relaxed. Food is all amazing & a wide selection of drinks – easily the best bar in the UK!

 

9/ When was your first overseas tour?

2009 with Catch 22 

 

10/ Favourite overseas country to tour?

Germany & Holland 

 

11/ Favourite overseas venue?

Gruenspan in Hamburg

 

12/ Favourite overseas bar or restaurant?

Hill Street Blues in Amsterdam

 

13/ Last three bands you have toured with?

Primal Scream / Twenty One Pilots / Letlive. & Creeper (they were touring together, but I know that makes it 4, haha!)

 

14/ What three tools are most important to your role?

(A) Having a calm & good temperament. Even when it’s all going wrong, your face should look like it’s running smoothly & no one should be any the wiser, even though you’re freaking inside. Along with this, you never know who is who – so if you’re always nice to people you never have to backtrack & apologise. (just because you’re nice doesn’t mean you’re weak – the same message can be conveyed, just in a different format)

 (B) Physical tools – torch, leatherman & portable mobile battery. You can see what you’re doing, fix any problems then phone someone else if you can’t fix it!

 (C) In conjunction with the first point – GOOD HEALTH is top of the tree here too. If you sleep well & eat well, you feel good (this is of course difficult on tour). However, take time to yourself – go for a walk / buy an organic smoothie / go for a swim / burn some insense / don’t have a 6th coffee of the day. What people do to their own bodies is up to them, but I try to take care of myself as best I can – I feel good, therefore I think clearer & am ready for day ahead!

 

15/ What are the three things you can't leave for tour without?

(A)  As a TM and promoter’s rep – My admin equipment (computer / printer / ink cartridges / passes / etc.) is all pretty vital to me – so basically, my pelican case.

 (B) Insense – I burn it all the time. It creates a calming vibe & people always comment on it and how peaceful it makes the atmosphere fee.

 (C) Knowing my parents & partner are all ok & in good health – family always comes first!

 

16/ What's your drink of choice after the truck is packed?

I’m not much of a drinker at all, so usually a cold gingerbeer but if push came to shove it’d have to be a gin & tonic

 

17/ Who's the most played artist on your iPod?

Tom Waits

King Tubby Sound System

Bad Brains

Explosions in The Sky

Casisdead

Bonobo

Sharks ///

Good Riddance

Dead Kennedys

 

18/ Words of wisdom?

(A) If you’re touring because you want to be in a band – go & be in a band as resentment will always shine through.

 (B) Always be honest

 (C) Remember, when it’s “Saturday night” kicking off in your head, it should be nothing but “Sunday morning” on your face….

 

19/ You can contact me on?

Simontm141@icloud.com

+44(0)7718799948

Instagram – @simon141

 

Photo #1

 

 This is a photo of me having been up for nearly 3 days on a festival run in 2014 – it’s not all partying on the road!

 

Photo #2 

I LOVE this photo. This is from a festival I work each year called The Secret Garden Party. The weather was awful that year & everyone was super bummed out, however I always try to keep a smile on my face & have a sense of humour – hence the bowtie 

 

Photo #3

 

No many people in life can say they’ve achieved their lifetime goal, but I can genuinely say that I have – touring with Slayer (Anthrax & Kvelertak) in 2015 – Yes, my Mum came own to see me at the Glasgow show

 

Photo #4 

 

My biggest client –

Twenty Øne Pilots playing last February at Manchester O2 Ritz

Photo #5
Every year I set myself a different work goal, examples below –

2012 – I wanted to do a tour on a tour bus – I did with New Found Glory

 2013 – I wanted to start working as a promoter’s rep – which I did

 2014 – I wanted to do a show / tour that had a truck on it – I did it with Asking Alexandria

2015 – I wanted to do a show at Brixton Academy – I did 3 that year

2016 – I wanted to do a show at arena level – I did 5 that year & the picture attached shows 3 of them for Slandunk 2016