Road crew

Road crew, sometimes called roadies, 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. 

They either work alone or as part of a crew.

Roadies get involved in: 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; setting up video equipment and screens; rigging up wiring and lighting;

Other jobs include: setting up pyrotechnics (fireworks) and laser displays; tuning musical instruments; and looking after the instruments.

They can also have other tour management duties like booking travel and caterers, and issuing backstage passes.

The standard rate for a single concert is £10 an hour or £50 a show.

Unskilled roadies working full-time can earn around £12,000 a year.

With technical skills, earnings could be £20,000 to £30,000 a year or more.

There could also be paid living expenses when on tour.

You would often start by working for free for local bands. Many people get their first job through contacts.

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 and working for equipment hire and supply companies.

It would be helpful to have a driving licence. You may have an advantage if you have a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence or Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) licence, which would allow you to drive tour buses and lorries.

You do not need formal qualifications to work as a roadie, but you may have an advantage with experience and qualifications in electronics, electrical work, sound production or lighting.

A good knowledge of a range of musical instruments also helps as you may be responsible for setting them up for the musicians.

The more skills you have, the more employable you will be.