Roadies, sometimes called musical instrument technicians or crew, help to stage music concerts and other events. They set up equipment and sets before a gig, look after the instruments, and pack away after the show. 

The work can vary depending on the group they work with. Some groups employ one roadie to do a range of duties, others will need a crew of hundreds for specialist work with complex technical equipment. Roadies do some or all of the following duties:

• lifting and carrying equipment and sets
• driving, loading and unloading vans, trailers and buses
• acting as security for equipment and band members
• setting up and looking after sound equipment
• lighting and stage design
• rigging up electrical wires
• setting up video equipment, computers and other media
• designing and managing pyrotechnics (fireworks) and laser displays
• tuning and checking musical instruments
• looking after the instruments.

Some roadies may also do other tour management duties like booking travel, dealing with catering and arranging backstage passes.

Roadies can work locally for an agency or venue, or they may tour with a band or equipment rental company.

Hours and Environment

As a roadie you will work long hours, often late into the night. When on tour you may need to work seven days a week. However, there may be rest days between gigs, and long breaks between tours.

When touring, you may travel around the whole of the UK and also possibly overseas. You will have to live away from home for long periods.

The work is very physical. You will have to lift and carry heavy equipment, and may need to work high up on ladders and rigging.

Depending on the type of gig, you could work indoors or outside. Venues are often noisy and may be cramped.

Skills and Interests

To work as a roadie you should:

• have good practical skills
• be physically fit
• be able to get on with a wide range of people
• work well as part of a team
• be comfortable working at heights
• be interested in music, technology and electronics
• work calmly under pressure
• be safety-conscious
• be able to follow instructions and understand diagrams and plans
• be reliable and self-disciplined.

Entry

You do not usually need any qualifications to work as a roadie. 

Many people get their first job through contacts. You can often begin as a roadie by working for free for local bands.

You can also get relevant experience through things like:

• working backstage in school, college or amateur theatre
• casual work at local concert venues and gigs
• working for equipment hire and supply companies.

You will often need a driving licence. You will have an advantage if you have a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence or Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) licence, to be able to drive tour buses and lorries.

For some technical jobs, you may need experience and qualifications in electrics, electronics, sound production or stage lighting. The more skills you have, the more employable you will be. See the Stagehand, Lighting Technician and Theatre Sound Technician profiles for more information.

Training

You will usually learn on the job from experienced crew.

You may also be able to take some short courses in skills such as:

• health and safety
• rigging
• pyrotechnics
• video work.

You can find relevant courses at the following websites:

• Production Services Association (PSA)
• Association of British Theatre Technicians
• BPI Music Education Directory.
  

Opportunities

Roadies can work for all kinds of pop and rock bands at all levels. They are usually freelance and the work is almost always short-term. Typically, a roadie might work on a three-month tour, but have no guarantee of further work at the end of it.

Jobs may be advertised on the internet, in the local press or in music shops. Roadies might also advertise their own services in these places, they could register with an agency, or they could ask local venues to let them know when work is available.

Experienced roadies could go on to become road or tour managers, or move into band management or music promotion. Roadies with technical skills could move into lighting or sound for theatre, film or television.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Unskilled roadies working full-time can earn around £12,000 a year.
Roadies with audio or electrical skills may earn £20,000 or more.
Those with technical skills may earn £30,000 or more.

Roadies may also be paid living expenses.

Further information

PO Box 2709
Bath
BA1 3YS
Tel:01225 332668 55 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200