Setting Up a Successful Tour
Part 2
by Kenny Kerner

This article was written from an American perspective but is still very relevant to touring bands in Australia and almost everywhere else Always call the venue to confirm all of the information about the gig at least one day before you're scheduled to play. It shows you're professional and it gives you a last-minute chance to clear up any misunderstandings before the show. Be certain that your performance contract specifies the number of sets you are to perform and the length of those sets. You will need to rehearse accordingly. Nothing is more embarrassing than having to perform the same 10 songs three times in a row on the same night. Here's a helpful tip for you: Right after you arrive in the city you're playing in, check into your hotel and call the club. Tell them you're in town and make sure they're expecting you at the designated time. That's a subtle reminder for them to wake the stage manager and sound man and get them ready for work. Try getting to the club a few minutes early to hang posters and photos of your band before the doors open. Hopefully, you will have remembered to include a handful of the posters in your initial press kit mailings to the clubs. In reality, you should plan on not getting paid at all for any of the gigs. Sometimes, out of sheer pity, a club owner will throw you $50-$100 for the night. Take it and don't look back. It will help offset your losses. Keep in mind that if you draw some people or, if you play really well, you'll be invited back again and then you can ask for some more money. After the show, immediately get out into the audience and start handing out fan address cards and begin selling your merchandise. Here's where you can really turn a profit. CDs that cost you only about $2.50 to manufacture can be sold for $10 at clubs. That's a nifty little profit if you can move them. If you decide to go back stage to dry off and have a beer, the club will be empty when you finally get around to returning. Don't miss this opportunity. If you are getting paid, the group member who initially spoke with the club booker should ask for the money. Take the cash, thank him politely for the opportunity, tell him you had a great time (lie if you have to), and express an interest in coming back in a few months. Chances are he'll forget who you are before your van pulls out of the parking lot.