Real-Life Communication
"One of the most important skills you need as a road manager is
that you have to be good at dealing with people," says road manager Ben Richardson.
Many
road managers say being able to communicate effectively is their most prized
skill on the job. Communication takes care of most of a road manager's day,
from meetings, phone calls and e-mail to faxes, booking and ordering. They're
constantly in touch with all kinds of different people in the industry.
"You
have to be able to get along with any finicky artist," says road manager Gordy
Gale. "The crew is one way, the band is another way, the record company people
are another way, then there [are] the fans, lawyers, media -- just so many
different people."
Gale says you have to play different roles with
people to get things done as a versatile road manager.
"You've got
to be diplomatic, but sometimes you also have to be the bad guy too, to get
things done -- make it clear that the band doesn't go on until we're paid,
chase down deadbeats, get rid of security problems."
You are a road
manager in the middle of a hectic day, setting up shop for another show in
another city on this U.S. tour. The band manager back in New York wants you
to report to her regularly, and you settle down in a corner with your laptop.
Write a 150-word email describing events of the past week. Include the following
points:
- The band has played in Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans and
Houston.
- Houston was the only show that didn't sell out (only 70 percent full)
because the publicist got sick.
- Good reviews everywhere -- you're keeping a file and you'll send it soon.
- Relations with club managers and owners are good, except in Birmingham
where a check bounced. But you were able to deal with it before New Orleans'
expenses came up.
- The bus is good.
- The band and crew are tired.
- A week's break starts after tonight's show in Phoenix.
- You'll write again after the next concert date in L.A.