11 Survival Tips For Touring Bands

By The Venetia Fair. Touring isn't always easy - here's 11 tips to make sure your bands makes it home in one piece!

1. Plan out your tour.

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If you don't have a booking agent, start small by self booking regional tours to build a local fan base to then expand upon. Try this on for size: https://www.indieonthemove.com/ ... and avoid what we did here.

2. Know how to handle all driving conditions!

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Especially if you're not used to winter conditions or are new to driving a van/trailer combo. Anti-freeze, snow chains, braking system for the trailer, know how to use your gears, etc. Wouldn't want to be like these guys!

3. Learn to cook (er, or "cook").

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Eating out adds up real fast on the road! Have a few staples on hand that require minimal prep and that store well. In the winter, you can keep food frozen in the trailer. Learn to stretch your money by buying in bulk. Pro tip: don't forget the hot sauce.

4. Schedule rest days... for wholesome activities.

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In between non-stop driving and shows, it's important to schedule a few "rest" days to enjoy life and have fun! You know... responsibly.

5. Get creative to make some extra money.

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Most bands count on their ticket cut and merch sales to keep them running. Be creative and break out those other talents to make a few bucks on the road.

6. Basic mechanic skills and/or AAA.

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Because van/trailer issues will happen. Usually in the middle of nowhere in a dead zone. You might as well learn, cause it's gonna happen more than you think.

7. First-aid kits & insurance cards.

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One of the last places you want to end up on the road is a ER room far away from home and a sky-high bill when you get home. Have some basic first-aid skills for the unavoidable flying guitar accidents.

8. Sell some merch.

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Design good merch (or in our case bad), have it in stock (or in our case don't), have a nice looking display that is visible and well lit (or in our case obnoxious) and be friendly to your fans (or in our case, be complete assholes)

9. Know your tetris.

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Somehow, someway, you can make it happen. Pack your van and trailer down to the essentials. Check out how we traveled seven people deep in one van on Warped Tour a few summers back!

10. Stay hydrated during shows.

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11. Keep it weird, keep it fun.

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Interact with your fans and most importantly - keep your mind on the music!

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