By Full Compass LiveAlthough touring promotes a certain sort of energy among crews, long distances and time spent in close confines can take their toll. Harsh and grinding as it can be, touring can cement a bond that carries over to performances, furthers the familial nature of your team, and provides unpredictable opportunities for adventure.
The question is, how can your touring crew not just survive — but actually thrive — en route? 
As industry leaders and tour veterans ourselves, we have a few road-tested tips that can help.
Common goals and drive
Nothing is worse than feeling like you’re not on the same page — or a crewmate isn’t pulling their weight. In order to sustain the rigors and responsibilities of touring, it’s essential to surround yourself with like-minded people. Ensuring that everyone you tour with shares a vision and works toward the same goal can prevent frustration, resentment, and disconnects. Be sure to communicate your vision and goals before hitting the road.
Accept the realities
Long days and nights are par for the course when you’re on the road. So are early morning drives and flights and lugging equipment from point A to point B. After a while, it can feel like a bit much, especially when you’re touring for the long haul. Be sure to enter into this phase with realistic expectations. That includes accepting you won’t always be comfortable, feel well rested, or get the space and alone time you crave.
Cover the basics
Make sure you pack light enough to make lugging your stuff around easier but thoughtfully enough to have what you need. Bring a journal to jot down your experiences — this can help you adjust and plan for the next tour. Make sure your roadside assistance is up to date. And bring chargers for your mobile devices and an array of ways to pass downtime. Often touring is a hurry-up-and-wait affair. Books, audiobooks, movies, and TED talks can help you fill the time.
It’s all about the show
When you’re on tour, everything revolves around the performance. As such, you and your crew need to plan accordingly. Shape your days and nights around shows, and follow a day sheet itinerary. This sheet will ensure everyone is literally on the same page — from venue walk-through and load-in to sound check and performance to load-out and bus call. Remember that your time is about the show and not much else. And remind yourself there won’t be much time for play.
Gear matters
Choose gearDefinition:
Musical or performance equipment. that works for your lifestyle, band, crew, and situation — regardless of where you’re touring. Be sure to choose equipment that functions or sounds how you want. Your gear should be equipment you know inside and out, so everything from set-up to performance to tear-down runs as smooth as possible. And make sure you choose gear you can trust with a strong track record of road durability. After all, it all has to last and serve you well for the duration of the tour.
If you’re in the band, don’t stop rehearsing
It’s a big mistake to think you have everything under control. When you’re on tour, you must rehearse (and rehearse some more). You’ll be facing a new crowd, a different venue, a unique stage sound, and a varied vibe every place you perform. That’s why you need to know your material backward, forward, and every way in between.
Need some advice? Want to update your essentials? We can help! We’re not just industry experts — we’re professional musicians and tour veterans ourselves. Check out our wide-reaching selection and give us a shout at 800-356-5844 with any questions you have.