John Michaelssoundman:The Gufs, The BoDeans, etc.

John Michaels' top ten rules for van tours.  This is for the band that is going on tour for the first or second time.

1. Spend your money on a good vehicle and trailer.  The ideal van-touring situation with 4 – 6 members should include a 15-passenger van with a sturdy, reliable trailer.  Try to get a trailer with a fold-down ramp door, and another door towards the front.  If you have the time, put a piece of plywood up between the front and back of the trailer just behind the side door.  This is where you want to keep all of your luggage, and merch.  This can also be used as a private dressing room in some instances.  When driving a van and a trailer, never use the vehicles overdrive feature.  Make sure the van is ready for the road.  Spare tire intact, a hand jack, extra engine fluids, and a set of wiper blades.
2. Purchase a GPS system for your band.  This is the most useful thing you can have on the road.  Not only will it get you to your gigs without getting lost, it will find eccentric stuff that artistic types like us need, such as natural food stores, pharmacy’s, Starbucks, etc…  A GPS is also handy when you are running close on making a gig on time, it will let you know exactly what time you will arrive so you can call ahead and let the production manager know.
3. Always carry a box of Vitamin C supplements such as Airborne or EmergenC. You can catch an infection or disease from just about anything these days, especially on tour.  The minute you feel a sniffle or an ache, pound the Vitamin C, I recommend it at least 3 times a week no matter what.
4. Bring your own Vocal Microphones. Club mic’s are shared from band to band, so it’s easy to pick up a throat infection or other disease from sharing mic’s
5. Bring a bottle of isopropyl alcohol and some hand towels with you.  There are several reasons for this.  If you can’t afford your own microphone, rub down the ball of the mic you use every night right before you sound check and play.  If you are on a budget and have to stay at a Motel Sick, a Red Rash Inn, or similar low quality hotel chain it’s important to rub down the following things: the telephone, the hair dryer, the remote control, and anything someone might have used to do unmentionable things.  Also, always remove the bedspread on the bed, since they never get washed.  If you're touring near the border states, check the beds for bedbugs as well. 
6. Pack only 10 days worth of clothes.  It’s important to keep the amount of luggage you have to a minimum.  One medium size suitcase is best.  Also you will be carrying your suitcase more than any piece of your gear.  Up and down to the hotel, and possibly the club etc…  You will usually have the chance to do laundry once a week.
7. If you're touring in support of a band that is on a bus, hire a driver.  There may be times where you will have to leave one show and drive straight through the night and next day just to make it to the gig for load-in.  In these instances, it’s important to have a well-rested driver to get you to the gig safely while the band and crew get whatever sleep they can.
8. Prep your gear for touring.  Buy cases on wheels if you can afford it.  Find a way to keep all your cables in your amps or amp cases.  Load the trailer and find the correct pack and then put numbers on your cases that correspond to the order in which they go in the trailer, this will help the loaders (if you ever get them) help you.
9. Clean the van every third day at the least.  The van is your home for the next 6 – 8 weeks so keep it neat.  Dirt attracts disease.  Carry some type of cleaning supplies for this exclusive purpose.  Window cleaner, a disinfectant spray, and a roll of paper towels usually will do the trick.  Ozium is good to have as well.
10. Try to gas up and take breaks at Truck Stops.  Travel America, Flying J, Pilot, Petro, and Luv’s are all good, but my personal favorite is the Flying J.  This place has movies, music, clothes, hot food, Xbox and PlayStation games, shoes, and all types of other stuff you wouldn’t expect.  It also has everything a gas station has and wireless Internet.

There are many other things you can do to better your touring experience, be creative and learn as you go.

John Michaels' top ten rules of club etiquette.  Just about all types of bands can use these tips, but I am going to focus on local bands playing local clubs.

1. ALWAYS SHOW UP ON TIME!  This is essential to keep a good relationship with the club owner or promoter.  If you are the headlining band and you are going to sound check, it is extremely important that you arrive at the time set for load-in.  If you are unsure, just ask the promoter.  It is important that a load-in time is set and adhered to.
2. Send the club or promoter a stage plot and input list.  It will help the soundman or production manager prepare the stage not only for your show, but also for the whole night.  Number your input list and include specifics like “Band needs 3 DI’s” or “All vocals take boom stands.”  Your stage plot should include placement of amps, monitors and mic stands.
3. Be prepared to “go with the flow.”  All kinds of problems can arise at a gig, especially when multiple bands are booked.  Sometimes you may be asked to share a drum kit, or an amplifier.  Sometimes things run late, or you’re asked to start a little early.  Use your discretion, some people are against sharing gear, but keep an open mind as to how you can help any problematic situations.  You will be remembered and appreciated by the club and promoter.
4. Keep your guest list down to a minimum.  One of the hardest things a promoter has to deal with is a large guest list.  When the show is sold out, it’s a capacity issue, when the show doesn’t draw well it’s a value issue.  Remember the cover charge is called a cover charge because it covers the production expenses of the show, usually P.A. and Lights.  It’s also there to cover your expenses such as fuel, strings, heads, tape, etc…  Most local shows are run on a payment percentage basis with the bands.  The bigger your guest list, the less money you will make.
5. Respect the club.  Be respectful to the bartenders and staff.  Don’t leave a huge mess in the dressing room.  Be on time for your set.  Don’t damage the P.A. gear including the microphones.  Don’t throw the vocal mic on the ground or pound it in to anything.  Don’t jump in the drum kit or break mic stands.  Don’t spill beer into the monitors etc.
6. When opening for other bands prepare your load out.  When you are playing any spot but last, keep the changeover and load out in mind.  Keep your cases near the load out door or in your van or trailer.  When you’re done playing, don’t break your gear down on the stage.  This includes casing guitars and amps and breaking down drums.  When you are done playing…throw your cables on your pedal board or amp, unplug and move it to another area to break down and case up.  The same goes with drums, get them off the stage as soon as possible, then break them down and case them up.  If fans and friends want to talk to you, politely tell them you need to clear the stage real quick first, DON’T stand on stage in everyone's way just talking to people.  Try not to load out while the next band is playing, especially if it’s obvious to the whole club.
7. Thank the club and soundman.  Before you leave make sure to thank the club owner, or promoter and the soundman for their work.  Even if the soundman didn’t do the best job, remember you can always hire your own soundman, but you can’t replace your reputation.  A simple thanks goes a long way in this town especially.
8. Listen to the soundman when he tells you to turn something down.  You can always get something in your monitor which is not aiming into the crowd.  Remember the house sound guy makes a living mixing the room he’s in.  I did it for years.  The soundman is only trying to help the mix sound good for the house, and usually he knows what he’s doing.  Once again, if you’re unhappy with the house soundman you can hire your own.
9. Don’t tune your instruments on stage at the start of the show.  Either tune them before hand and set them on the stage, or tune them in the dressing room and walk on with them.  If you have to tune on stage, make sure your amp is muted, and talk to the crowd while your doing it. 
10. Try to keep 3 to 4 weeks break between your local shows.  The last thing a promoter wants to see is your band playing at the club down the street 1-week before you're going to headline his or her club.  Don’t play yourself out by playing out too much; it will hurt your draw.

John Michaels has worked in clubs all over the world.  He has been touring professionally for over 15 years and currently works with local bands The Gufs, and The BoDeans.  In Milwaukee he has been the house soundman at Shank Hall, The Globe, The BBC, The Haven, The Rave, T.A. Verns, The Miramar Theater, Vnuk’s Lounge, The Unicorn, Thai Joe’s, The Highbury, and Brett’s (now Points East Pub).  John also maintained a weekly local music show on WMSE during the 1990’s as well as a Public Access local music TV show in the late 80’s.

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