How does one get to be a raodie for Floyd?

[fIoydian slip]

I have always wondered. Or for any band for that matter? Has anyone here ever been a raodie? Do you just show up and say "I can move that monitor for you" or "Would you like some help with that amp".

I suppose it would have sucked during the DB tour to be on the team that was setting up in the next city or on the team that was diassembling the previous show and not on the group that was at the actual concert.

I sometimes wonder if I quit my job and became a full time roadie, what my life would be like?

[Madcap Laughs]

Groupies, loads of groupies!!!!!!!!

[Dr Cheese]

You've got to be a big, fat, sweaty gimp with long lank hair, jeans that show the crack of your arse everytime you attempt to bend, be able to accomodate dozens of keyrings jammed with keys on your belt and be adept at saying "Two ... two ... one two ..."

Hello to roadies everywhere!

No death threats from outraged roadies please, I'm only joking.

[Loupgaros]

There was a roadie who had been on the WYWH tour on Radio 2. It was just a brief mention, as radio shows give, but it certainly pricked my ears...

[Dr Cheese]

Your ears must be really sore by now.

[Loupgaros]

Well, they're not too bad.

Anyway, it just amazed me a former PF roadie appeared on radio.

[Brick Lowrider]

Well, actually, (if you are serious) there is a stage union that you would have to work through. They could hire you on when they need 'local crews', which is most of the time (where there is a good venue), but union crew members always get the first spots available, and the best jobs, consequently. Also, many specialize in a particular field, like 'rigging' (which pays real well, but is a little bit dangerous), or 'electrical','carpentry', 'fork lift operator', etc. I know many roadies. One of them is out on the road all the time, with Brooks and Dunn, and Reba McIntire. But most union crew members I know work a specific area, and not a particular group...It isn't easy to get into a union.

I have worked on the 'local crew' several times, whenever the union was shorthanded (the pay is decent...free catered meals, shows), but the local "hall" here just doesn't book many concerts anymore (the people who booked the hall used to get a % of the show, so they had to hustle up shows in the past to make $$$, but now the hall manager is paid a salary by the city, so they only have a few bs rodeo/circus type shows a year) and all the good concerts end up in Asheville, NC, or even Greeneville, SC.

If you need more specific info about the stage union, I can try to find it out for you.

[stratman]

Interesting info, Brick.

Your signature cracked me up.

[fixxlevy]

Indeed

[Brick Lowrider]

Originally posted by stratman
Your signature cracked me up.

Thanks, wasn't sure if any one would catch that.

[fIoydian slip]

I will keep you in mind Brick. Thanks for the input. For now it will be the 40 hours a week 5 days a week routine. When it gets old or if I pay off my credit cards I will come a callin'. Whichever comes first.